Day 17 · The Nativity Fast
Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace
“For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of Armies will perform this.”Isaiah 9:6-7
Reflection
Here is one of the best-loved prophecies of Christmas: a child born, a son given, with names no ordinary child could bear: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The Greek Septuagint calls him “the Messenger of great counsel,” and some Orthodox icons show Christ as the Angel of Great Counsel, with wings. Both say the same thing: in this Child, God's own wisdom and plan for the world have come among us. His government will grow, and of his peace there will be no end.
A prayer
Lord Jesus, Wonderful Counsellor and Prince of Peace, I bring you my confusion and my unrest. Counsel me, for I do not know the way. Give your peace to my heart, my home, and our troubled world. Amen.
Carry this with you
Which of these names of Christ do you most need today?