“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Wonderful… The KJV separates “wonderful” from “counselor” as a description all of its own. Amazing. Excellent. Great. Marvelous. Astounding. Incomprehensible. Beyond human conception. The wonder of His love for us exists as perhaps the greatest mystery of our faith (1 Timothy 3:16).

Counselor… He gives all men counsel, his perfect knowledge of what’s best imparted to us. His counsel includes vast, immeasurable wisdom (Romans 11:33), wisdom that comes when we wait, like Joseph did, before acting (Matthew 1:20). It’s counsel that comes when we give God time and space to move and when we refuse to listen to our flesh and instead wait for God to speak.

Mighty God… Could be translated “Strong Hero.” Mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8). He does what only he can do because of his limitless might and power. I watch a lot of movies that have heroes who inspire through their character shown in their actions. I seek out stories of real-life heroes in the face of tragedy and violence. Yet, no hero – fiction or real – comes close to my Mighty Hero God who has no limits.

Everlasting Father… An unending reign. Eternal father. In a world where the only constant is change, having a father whose reign has always been and always will be brings stability cultivates tremendous hope (Isaiah 40:28).

Prince of Peace… His peace involves receiving the favor of God from the “Prince of Wholeness” (MSG). No end exists to the peace he brings, to His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3 & Isaiah 32:17). Perfect peace in an imperfect world. Then, one day, perfect peace in his perfect kingdom.

If I knew nothing else about my Lord, Isaiah 9:6 would be enough. It reveals His character and His heart. It reveals what He wants to do and be in my life.