We have all had those annoying times where we are told that a parcel will be delivered or the person coming to fix a particular thing that has gone wrong will be arriving anytime between 8am – 8pm!! You know how it is, you can’t risk going out or perhaps even going to the toilet because you know if you do that will be the exact moment that it/they will turn up!! So, we wait, hoping and longing that it will be sooner rather than later. The disappointment when they don’t turn up at all is more than a little frustrating.
We are into the first week of advent.
I’m sure that you will be aware that ‘Advent’ means the arrival of a notable person or thing. For Christians, the advent of Jesus at Christmas is a time to reflect, consider and celebrate the most significant event in human history only equalled by His death and resurrection. The arrival of Jesus is so momentous it’s hard to express in words. The arrival of hope, love, joy, peace, light and much more embodied in a baby. He will never disappoint, and the wait was worth it, indeed to the point where we give our whole lives to Him.
Last Sunday Rosie, one of our young people, lit the first candle on our Advent wreath at church. She then read from Isaiah 9:2,6-7 which are so brilliant they are worth reading again:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”Isaiah 9:2,6-7
These words are a prophecy of the arrival of Jesus coming to earth. Written about 800 hundred years before the actual event. Over the coming weeks we are going to reflect on the line where the child (Jesus) will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Wonderful Counsellor – The word ‘Wonderful’ in this passage literally means ‘Incomprehensible’, he is mind boggling, beyond our understanding, for this baby was not conceived by the normal means; for Jesus to be fully God and fully human is beyond our understanding – it’s wonderful. We often use the word wonderful to mean lovely or pleasant but clearly here the meaning is much deeper and fuller. Jesus’ life demonstrates how wonderful he is, his teaching, his compassion, his actions, his healing etc.
The word ‘Counsellor’ for us may have many connotations. In ancient Israel it was used to describe people of great wisdom, particularly a King, like Solomon who would give wise guidance to his people. Jesus is unlike any mere human counsellor. He knows everything about us, all we are dealing with, all that we are feeling and thinking. Jesus the Wonderful Counsellor means we can completely trust him, we can talk to him, we can share our fears and concerns knowing he hears, listens, and loves us. His guidance for our lives will always be good because he wants good for us. It will always be for our best because he always wants the best for us. This week I urge you to reflect on our Wonderful Counsellor – to thank God for all that means for us.
And know this – he is FOR YOU – TO GUIDE YOU WITH LOVE AND WISDOM IN A WONDERFUL WAY.
– Mark
