Are we focusing on what’s important this Christmas? Ps Reuel Ramos encourages us to remain marveled and guided by our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) this festive season.
Once I attended a wedding, and there was a segment where the groom passionately serenaded his bride. Sadly, only a few guests appreciated the hearty gesture, as some were chatting, others were in the buffet line, and a few were in the photo booth snapping away. These guests had lost sight of the reason for the celebration. Like this scenario, there are moments when we can be distracted and lose sight of what is essential and valuable.
Now living in the endemic, life seems to be back to normal. Many of us are excited to gather in large groups, fellowship, and have lovely Christmas parties without the many restrictions. Shopping malls are crowded again and people are rushing to Christmas sales. Airline prices have gone up, as many have started making plans to travel during the holiday season. Church leaders are also excitedly packing their churches with activities during this season, compared to the rather sad state we had for the past two years during the height of the pandemic. With all these things happening, we rejoice and thank God for them. However, we must be cautious, slow down, and not miss out on what is essential, especially this season.
When Isaiah was summoned to be a prophet, it was an era of great political turmoil due to Assyrian imperialism. God’s people had become like other nations in their pride, sarcasm, and selfishness. They were faithless and rebellious (Isaiah 1:2, 3; 31:1–3; 57:3–10), and their sins were bringing the nation to moral ruin. They had lost the vision of God’s Kingdom of righteousness, love, and peace and had tried to establish their own kingdom. Isaiah called them to return. However, their hearts were unmoved (Isaiah 6:9,10). As Isaiah prophesized, Israel was judged and exiled. This period of history was tumultuous as the Assyrians were on the march, taking people into captivity by droves. However, Isaiah’s prophecy gave the people of God a hope they so desperately needed: a Child would be born to fulfill the Davidic Covenant, and He would bear the titles “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The Child was Jesus Christ.
The Hebrew word for “wonderful counselor” is “pele’-yoez”. The first term (pele) means “a miracle, a marvel, a wonder,” which indicates “something extraordinary, incomprehensible, inexplicable.” The second term (yoez) means “to advise, counsel, devise, purpose.”
The prophet indicated the characters of the Messiah, and one of them was a “Wonderful Counselor.” The Hebrew word for “wonderful counselor” is “pele’-yoez”. The first term (pele) means “a miracle, a marvel, a wonder,” which indicates “something extraordinary, incomprehensible, inexplicable.” The second term (yoez) means “to advise, counsel, devise, purpose.” Both definitions combined reveal that the child will be miraculously born to become an amazing adviser who marvelously works in all things for God’s purpose. As we meditate on His character, let us humbly seek to be drawn to Him and be captivated in a fresh new way.
As we look into the scripture, let us ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word so we may see His greatness and wonderfulness.
Be Marveled. In this season, let us be marveled. With all the decoration, festive mood, and excitement of returning to the new normal, all believers ought to recapture their awe and wonder toward our Savior, Jesus Christ. We tend to be distracted by many competing attractions that entice us, and our hearts are pulled away from the beauty and joy we find in Christ. As we look into the scripture, let us ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word so we may see His greatness and wonderfulness. We urgently need a fresh revelation and to be amazed again. Let us pause and ponder and reflect on the deity and humanity of our Savior. Let us take time to meditate on how He was conceived in the womb of a virgin (Matthew 1:23). On how He has the power to heal (Matthew 4:23), His amazing teaching (Mark 1:22), His perfect life (Hebrews 4:15), and His resurrection from the dead (Mark 16:6). There are so much more that we can think about. Let us not pass this season without admiring and worshiping Him.
Be Guided. In this season, be reminded that we have access to divine council. We live in a time when people search for answers, advice, and counsel; Many today are confused, fearful, hopeless, depressed, and anxious. People are looking for guidance and directions. Likewise, church leaders and ministry experts have been coming together to discuss and share their opinion and insight on adapting to the post-pandemic and navigating the ever-changing landscape that we live in today. Many of us are looking for answers.
But be encouraged in knowing that Jesus Christ, we have someone who, by His great knowledge and understanding, is abundantly qualified to guide and direct our lives.
We live in a world with many competing voices calling out, “Listen to me!” May we respond like sheep familiar with the Good Shepherd’s voice. May we listen intently to His voice, His leading, and His council. May we not be consumed with fear and fret by uncertainties all facing. But be encouraged in knowing that Jesus Christ, we have someone who, by His great knowledge and understanding, is abundantly qualified to guide and direct our lives. Someone who is never confused or mistaken. Someone who always knows exactly what to do. Someone who will never lead us astray. Let us not be afraid and always remember Psalm 33:10-11 (ESV): “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”
In this season, let us remember to be amazed and marvel at the beauty and greatness of our Savior, and may we not be afraid, for we know that we have a Wonderful Counselor who is with us and continually leading us.
In this season, let us remember to be amazed and marvel at the beauty and greatness of our Savior, and may we not be afraid, for we know that we have a Wonderful Counselor who is with us and continually leading us.
Take time to pause and meditate on His greatness. Set our hearts on Him and not be side-tracked. Be marveled once again.
Ps Reuel Ramos is passionate about serving God and people. He desires to see more people change through the gospel message. Growing up in the Living Word Fellowship (TLWF), He has been part of various ministries, worship, missions, and youth ministry. Reuel currently serves full-time as one of the pastoral staff in TLWF. He is married to Iwojhima, and a father of two. Reuel loves playing with his kids and slapping his bass guitar.
