The Good News of His Name

Christmas Eve 2015. Months of anticipation. Days of craziness. Hours of peacefulness, at last. If you're spending a few quiet moments by yourself, I offer up these words for your meditation. A friend sent them to me several days ago, and they brought me out of the frenzy and back to the Good News. Jesus came to earth. God Himself took on flesh and "moved into the neighborhood" as Eugene Peterson so beautifully put it. It happened 2,000 years ago, but it's as relevant today, in the here and now in my life, as it was for Peter, John, Mary, the Samaritan woman, Lazarus, or the man delivered from a legion of demons.

His name is wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, prince of peace. You've heard it a million times, but have you ever considered what it means? To you? Today? Christian writer and pastor Warren Wiersbe helps us understand:

His name is Wonderful: This takes care of the dullness of life. We no longer need to live on the cheap substitutes of the world in order to have excitement and enjoyment. Jesus Christ makes everything wonderful. 

His name is Counselor: This takes care of the decisions of life. We no longer will be baffled by the problems of life, wondering what step to take next. With Jesus Christ as our Counselor, we will have the wisdom that we need to make the right decision.

His name is Mighty God: This takes care of the demands of life. And life is demanding! Sometimes we feel like giving up; but through Jesus Christ we can have the strength that we need to continue--and to conquer.

His name is Everlasting Father: This takes care of the dimensions of life. We can become a part of eternity! A whole new dimension of living can be ours through Jesus Christ, when the government of our life is on His shoulders.

His name is the Prince of Peace: This takes care of the disturbances of life. How we long for lasting peace within! What we would not give for the secret of poise and confidence in a threatening world! The answer is Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace, and when He controls the government of your life, He gives you peace. 

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests. Merry Christmas.