a child with four divine names, by Charles Spurgeon.

Isaiah 9, verse 6, 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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In this glorious prophecy, Isaiah lifts the veil of history and gives us a glimpse of the unspeakable gift that God would send to this sinful and hopeless world. A child born, a son given. Yet this is no ordinary child. In his birth, he is human. In his names and essence, he is divine. Every title reveals a facet of his infinite majesty and gracious mission.

Wonderful counselor, in a world drowning in confusion and moral blindness, Jesus comes as the infallible guide for his redeemed people. He needs no teacher, for he is wisdom incarnate. His counsel is never shallow, never mistaken, never misleading. He discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. To the weary, he gives rest. To the broken, he gives hope. To the perplexed, He gives direction. Jesus is the great Counselor who can unravel all mysteries, solve all difficulties, and advise us in all dilemmas. Have you gone to Him for counsel? Have you sat at His feet and let His Word guide your steps?

Mighty God! Though born as a helpless infant, He is none other than the Omnipotent One. This is the staggering mystery of the Incarnation, the Almighty nursing at the bosom of a young virgin. He is not a mere man with divine power. He is God incarnate. With a word, He calmed the storm. With a touch, He healed the sick. With His death, He crushed Satan. And with His resurrection, He conquered the grave. This mighty God makes all things work together for the good of His people. He who hung upon the cross was the God who made the heavens and the earth. How great is the love that made Him stoop to such humiliation.

Everlasting Father Not in the sense of replacing God the Father, but in His paternal care for His own blood-bought people. He is fatherly in His goodness and compassion. He never abandons His people, never forgets them, and never grows weary of them. He is a faithful shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He loves His people with a Father's heart. His compassion never fails. He provides, protects, and disciplines us as a loving Father does. Do you rest in His unchanging love?

Prince of Peace. He does not merely bring peace. He is peace. At the cross, He reconciled guilty sinners to the Holy God, making peace through His sin-atoning blood. Now He gives peace to the troubled heart, to the sin-burdened conscience, to the fearful soul. The world offers fleeting distractions, but Jesus gives a peace that surpasses understanding. Are you looking to Him alone for peace in your soul?

These are not mere names. They are divine realities. This is the Christ we worship. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is wise in counsel, strong to save, tender in care, and perfect in peace.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. Revelation chapter 5 verse 12.