December 1, 2023

25 Names of Christ: Wonderful Counselor

President Russel M. Nelson said of the Savior; “He is Jesus the Christ—our Master and more. He has numerous names, titles, and responsibilities, all of eternal significance”.

Each day in December, leading up to Christmas Day, we will post a short message exploring a different name or title for Jesus Christ. May we look to Him as we celebrate His birth and life this Christmas Season.

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

Isaiah prophesied “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor…” (Isaiah 9:6)

Reading these words, many of us will probably have Handel’s Messiah playing in our minds, as the famous piece has amplified those words through beautiful music. Listening to the song and even reading the King James translation, it seems like perhaps these are two names; ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Counselor’.

The Hebrew reading, however, requires these two names to be read together as Wonderful Counselor. Taken together, these words identify Jesus Christ as “a wonder of a counselor,” or an “amazing” advisor.

An advisor or counselor is usually chosen for their wisdom or expertise in a particular area. What a privilege it is to know that the Creator of the world, the Mighty Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer can be our personal advisor.

No-one is better placed to give advice and direction. No-one’s counsel can be trusted more than His. Alma must have understood this principle when he exhorted; “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good” (Alma 37:37)

Handel’s Messiah – For Unto us a Child is Born, performed by the Tabernacle Choir: