DEVOTION, 12/23, WONDERFUL

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

When you think of Jesus, does the word “Wonderful” ever come to mind? It really should. The Hebrew word means that which is amazing, beyond anything we can imagine; extraordinary, so much so that we can never probe fully the depths of who Jesus is. He is beyond all human expectations.

It began with His birth in Bethlehem. How can God take on human nature? It is a wonder to us. How can a virgin conceive and bear a son? It is an inexplicable wonder. “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see” we sing during the Christmas season. If you try to fit the birth of Jesus into your brain so that everything is neat and tidy, you will fail. His birth is truly WONDERFUL. It inspires wonder and awe. 

What began at His birth continues throughout His life. Jesus, the Son of God, understands our plight and cares about us (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:7). Why does God care about people who have rebelled against His will?  It is too wonderful for words. Why did Jesus endure the Cross for us? He is the glorious Son of God. Why did He humble Himself in this way to redeem us?  It is too wonderful for words.

As Son of God, He has the right to say, “If you want forgiveness, you have to get it the old fashioned way. You have to earn it.” Instead, we hear that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. By grace, we find favor with God through faith. It isn’t easy to find words to describe this reality. It is too wonderful for words. Isaiah prophesied that the coming Messiah would be wonderful, and He is.

Father, in this Christmas season, we remember the birth of our Savior. His name is “wonderful.” From His birth through His life to His resurrection, Jesus is truly wonderful. I struggle to wrap my mind around all the wonders that are associated with Jesus. I thank You that He came and redeemed all who trust in Him. I pray in His wonderful name, Amen.