Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace
Our first reading from Isaiah gives us those beautiful and familiar words, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” The people of God at the time of Isaiah knew well that they needed a savior. Today, if we are to experience the full joy of Christmas, we too must recognize our desperate need for our savior, Jesus Christ. These four titles foretold of the Messiah by the prophet give us a way to recognize this need.
In a world filled with voices speaking lies and promising happiness from every form of sin, we need a counselor. We need a sure guide who will give us true teaching and lead us to truth. We need a wonder-counselor.
We also need heroes. A hero is someone who inspires us by showing all that is great an good about the human race. A hero shows us a glimpse of what we all might be capable of. We tend to idolize sports figures and celebrities as our heroes today, but they ultimately let us down. Jesus Christ is the ultimate and greatest hero, the God-hero. No one better shows us what we are capable of and inspires us to perfection like Jesus.
Many of us can testify first hand to the need for a savior for our families. The devil knows that the family is God’s key to manifesting his love for the world. Fatherhood has suffered greatly in recent times. We need a savior, a Father-Forever, to restore our families. Jesus is the love of the Father incarnate. He shows us what it means to love with a family love. God is not some distant power, but a father who loves us. Jesus reveals this love to us.
Finally, perhaps most associated with Christmas is the desire for peace. In a world plagued by war and violence, we need a prince of peace. Yet, the peace that Jesus brings is not merely an earthly peace. There has always been and always will be war in this life. Jesus brings us the chance to have peace no matter what difficulties life might throw at us. This is a heavenly peace that no one can take away.
The angles sing at Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” May our Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, our Prince of Peace, bring us this joy and heavenly peace this Christmas.