For Reading and Meditation:      Isaiah 9:1-7We continue meditating on the word "pure" as used by Jesus in His sixth Beatitude. I discovered when researching this theme that the word "catharsis" - meaning to cleanse or make pure - is derived from the same Greek root as the word "pure". In psychology, the word "catharsis" is used to describe the feeling of release and cleansing a person experiences in the presence of a trusted friend or counsellor when they empty out many of their repressed feelings or ideas. In the right circumstances and under the right conditions, a person who does this often feels purged, renewed and released. I have seen this happen myself on countless occasions when counselling. A person comes with deep hurts, and when they are sure they are in the presence of someone who understands them, someone they can trust, they open up their repressed feelings in such a way that afterwards they sit back and say: "I feel so different. It's like someone has reached deep down inside me and scraped my insides clean." What produces this feeling of purging and release? It is difficult to explain because the inner release a person feels is not obtained simply by sharing; it comes only in the atmosphere of mutual confidence and trust. When a counsellor shows signs of disapproval or shock, then no release (catharsis) is experienced. If, as mental health experts claim, this only happens when a counsellor is warm and accepting, as opposed to harsh and judgmental, then it becomes immediately obvious that in the presence of Jesus, the Wonderful Counsellor, we have the possibility of experiencing the deepest catharsis it is possible to know. Blessed Lord Jesus, my Counsellor and my Friend, help me to open up the whole of my being to You so that I might experience a divine catharsis. I long not just to be clean - I long to be wholly clean. For Your own dear Name's sake. Amen.<div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>1 John 1:1-7</li><li>Psalm 65:3</li><li>Ezekiel 36:25</li><li>Zechariah 13:1</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>How are we to walk?</li><li>What does this result in?</li></ul></div></div>

Let a little light into your soul every day with this wonderful devotional from English pastor Selwyn Hughes.

Every Day Light with Selwyn Hughes

"And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor '" (v. 6)

For Reading and Meditation:      John 1:1-18We continue meditating on the fact that the Christian faith is unique in that it is the Word not of a prophet but of the Son of God Himself. And when I refer to the Son of God I mean also God the Son. The Son is as much God as God Himself. One commentator says of the verse before us today: "If I were to put my finger on the most important verse in Scripture I would unhesitatingly put my finger on this one: 'And the Word became flesh.' " This verse has been described as "The Great Divide," because no other religion can claim that the word they received from God became flesh. In all other religions the essential element is a word become word - a philosophy, a moralistic system, and so on. Only in Christianity does God appear in human form; the Word become flesh. Early in my career as a minister I found that whenever I tried to present the Christian gospel to people of other faiths, everything I said brought the bland reply: "Yes, what you say is good, but we have the same teaching in our sacred books also." The Sermon on the Mount? Muslims have something similar in the Qur'an. Turning the other cheek? Hindus would reply: "Our sacred books tell us the same." Caring and sensitivity to the needs of others? Buddhists would respond: "We believe in that too, perhaps even more than you." Every issue I raised had its parallel. I was puzzled. Where was Christianity's uniqueness? Then it dawned upon me - the Incarnation. No other religion has anything like the Incarnation. O God our Father, just to reflect on the Incarnation is to be filled with amazement and joy. We are not knocking at the door of heaven. You are knocking at the lowly doors of our hearts. How can such a thing be true? Yet it is. I am so thankful. Amen.<div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>Isaiah 9:1-6</li><li>Isaiah 7:14</li><li>Galatians 4:4</li><li>Luke 1:30-33</li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>How did Isaiah depict the Incarnation?</li><li>What was the message of the angel?</li></ul></div></div>

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." (v. 14)

At the very outset, the mother of mankind was informed that she was also to be the mother of some wondrous being who would snatch the race from the condition incurred by sin. Prophet after prophet arose, spoke of this future personage, sighed for his advent and passed away. How astonished must the Hebrew readers of Isaiah have been at the description given by him of the coming man. A child, a son of man; given to us and of us; yet so wonderful in his nature that you may ascribe to him all the perfections of the godhead. We know that God will not give his glory to another; this child of humanity is then no other than God himself, the mighty God, the Father of Ages. Here is something that never would have entered into the conception of any man, even the wisest or the boldest. But supposing that men, having been led to look for such an incredible event as the birth of God in the line of fallen man, had undertaken to surmise what would be his manner of life on the earth, how different would all their fantasies have been from the reality. They would have made the deity overshadow the humanity, so that there would be no proper manifestation of this. But the humanity of Christ remains in its integrity, and there is a perfect revelation of the two natures without the least encroachment of the One upon the other. And in him we see how this humanity of ours may become wedded to divinity so that the latter may be exhibited through the medium of the former, and in ten thousand acts and words there be an uncommingled operation both of God and of the creature. " That they also may be one in us, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee '

A daily devotional written by a Baptist Missionary to India, Reverend George Bowen (1816-1888) over 150 years ago.

Bowen's Daily Meditations

" Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and his name shall be called Wonderful." - Isaiah 9:6. 

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. § For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. “They shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” § Call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. God … has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. § Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet. § He had a name written that no one knew except Himself … : KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him. § What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know?

Daily Light on the Daily Path or Daily Light is a Christian daily devotional scripture reading published by Bagster & Sons about 1875. It has been reprinted continually since then. It consists of brief groupings of scripture passages which speak to prominent Biblical themes—two themes (morning and evening) for each day of the year. It appends no commentary, but simply allows scripture to speak for itself.

Morning Daily Light

 His name will be called Wonderful. 

Christ … has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. § Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious. § God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. § In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. If you love Me, keep My commandments. § The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. § The house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. § They realized that they had been with Jesus. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! § Immanuel … God with us. § His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. § The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

 Your name is ointment poured forth. 

 Fear not, I am the first and the last 

The house [that is] to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous, and glorious throughout all countries. § The glory of the Lord … filled the Lord’s house. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” … He was speaking of the temple of His body. §  What was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. § The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. § God . . . has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! § Prince of Peace. § He Himself is our peace. § The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former . . . and in this place I will give peace. 

I know that You can do everything. § The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. § He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” § There is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it? § Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” § “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” § Mighty God. § All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. § Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed … for there are more with us than with him.

 The Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 

I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. § There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. § There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Mighty God. § Made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. § We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. § Inasmuch … as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same.

 I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. 

Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies all around. His name shall be Solomon [peaceful], for I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days. Indeed a greater than Solomon is here. § Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. § My people will dwell in a peaceful habituation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places, though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation. He Himself is our peace. § This One shall be peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.

Evening Daily Light

 Gideon built an altar . . . and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. 

This is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. § I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor. § O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Mighty God, Everlasting Father. § I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Prince of Peace. § He Himself is our peace. § Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. § Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help. § Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it.

 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You. 

His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor. § Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding. § Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. § Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. § Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. § Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. §  He knows the way that I take. §  A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way? You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. § This is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.

 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel. 

Will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. § The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. § Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh. God … has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. The first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, … Jesus came and stood in the midst … Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord … After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them … Then [ Jesus] said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” … Thomas … said … “My Lord and my God!” § Unto us a Son is given, … called … Mighty God.

 “Immanuel,” . . . “God with us.” 

In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. § I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. § I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with Me. Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh. § Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. § To the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Let all the angels of God worship Him. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

 “The Man . . . is My Companion,” says the Lord of hosts. 

Indeed a greater than Solomon is here. § Prince of Peace. Scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. § Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. § The love of Christ … passes knowledge. Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. § In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. § The unsearchable riches of Christ. § Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

 God gave Solomon … largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. 

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord. Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things … Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.” The Lord of hosts … is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

 His name will be called . . . Counselor. 

You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever. Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, with Your glory and Your majesty. And in Your majesty ride prosperously … Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. § Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one, and said: “I have given help to one who is mighty.” § “The Man … is My Companion,” says the Lord of hosts. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation. § Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.

 Mighty God. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! I and My Father are one … The Father is in Me, and I in Him. § If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. § Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” § Here am I and the children whom God has given Me. § He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. § “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” § Before Abraham was, I AM. § God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” To the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” § He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. § In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

 Everlasting Father. 

He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice. The mountains will bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness … He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, like showers that water the earth. In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more. § Glory to God … , and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Through the tender mercy of our God … the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. § Peace through Jesus Christ— He is Lord of all. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. § Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. § The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 Prince of Peace. 

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing … Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. § For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He … did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. § Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! § Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 

6 <poetry>For to us a child is born, <indent>to us a son is given, </indent> <indent>and the government will be on his shoulders. </indent> And he will be called <indent>Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, </indent> <indent>Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </indent> </poetry>

For to us a child is born,<cr>1</cr> <indent>to us a son is given,<cr>2</cr> </indent> <indent>and the government<cr>3</cr> will be on his shoulders.<cr>4</cr> </indent> And he will be called <indent>Wonderful Counselor,<cr>5</cr> Mighty God,<cr>6</cr> </indent> <indent>Everlasting<cr>7</cr> Father,<cr>8</cr> Prince of Peace.<cr>9</cr> </indent>

Isaiah 9:6

 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.   

From Wikipedia: 

The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1978 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). The NIV was published to meet the need for a modern translation done by Bible scholars using the earliest, highest quality manuscripts available. Of equal importance was that the Bible be expressed in broadly understood modern English.

The NIV is published by Zondervan in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. The NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011 and has become one of the most popular and best-selling modern translations.

OT: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; additional sources;
NT: UBS Greek New Testament; Novum Testamentum Graece; additional sources;

New International Version

 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.   

<poetry>For to us a child is born, <indent>to us a son is given, </indent> <indent>and the government will be on his shoulders. </indent> And he will be called <indent>Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, </indent> <indent>Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </indent> </poetry>

Bible Verse of the Day

December 25, 2024

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

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