Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor!

Here is another beautiful selection from the 2025 Christmas devotion from Dallas Theological Seminary.

DECEMBER 2

“This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.”

— Isaiah 28:29 esv —

The Wonderful Baby of Bethlehem

One of the four identifications of the Child to come found in Isaiah 9:6 is “Wonderful Counselor.” This is such a comforting, significant, perfect name for our Jesus.

The Hebrew noun “counselor,” as used in the Old Testament, is not used in the way we might employ it today for a person trained to give insights on personal, social, or psychological problems. Rather, the term speaks of one who advises and advocates certain directions of actions and thought. This guidance is for the good of the person willing to listen. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). And Jesus is just such a counselor—one who gives insight and direction for life to those who listen to Him.

Isaiah 9:6 describes the quality of the Messiah’s counsel as “wonderful”—that which causes awe. This noun is translated in most versions as an adjective to characterize the counselor (as are the nouns “mighty,” “everlasting,” and “peace,” which are translated as adjectives, too). While Jesus is wonderful in so many ways (the miraculous nature of His birth, His teachings, His miracles, and His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection), here the word is being used specifically to describe His counsel. This word should be seen as far more substantial than how it is popularly used today, where everything is said to be wonderful. When speaking of the Son’s counsel, the use of the term “wonderful” expresses that which is always wise and perfect for those who listen. Isaiah 28:29 states, “This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” Jesus showed that He is “wonderful” in His counsel; He taught so many wonderful things that are counterintuitive to the human mind and even more that He is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the true and living way” (John 14:6 bbe).

At Christmas, as we are reminded of the coming of Jesus to earth, we recognize that His teaching and direction is perfect for us. He knows exactly what we need, and so we can trust Him to lead and guide us each day as we listen to Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Dr. Stephen Bramer

Department Chair and Senior Professor of Bible Exposition

Do you need guidance or direction this Christmas season? Do you need wisdom to know what to do in a stressful situation? Jesus is your Wonderful Counselor! He is your Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

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This Sunday, December 28, we will consider, “The Praises of Christmas”, from Luke 2:8-20 and Philippians 2:5-11. Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us!

Are you “caught up” with your Year-End Giving for 2025? Be sure to give your offering by Wednesday, December 31: either in person, by mail (PO Box 161178, Honolulu 96816) or online at our secure website (honoluluag.org/giving). Mahalo nui loa for your faithful and generous giving!

Coming Up: If you are new to Honolulu Assembly of God and/or are curious about church membership, the “Joy of Belonging” classes will be held on Sundays in January at 9:30am. It features inspiration and information that every Christian should know, starting with this Sunday’s class, “Your Glorious New Life in Christ!” Let’s start the New Year Big by joining with other churches all across our nation for the national Week of Prayer, January 4-10.

Mele Kalikimaka!