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 (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).
“Daddy, where does the sun go at night?” I asked my dad as he leaned over tucking me into bed.
“Why it’s busy waking up the little boys in China, son.” He answered, knowing this would only lead to more questions from his curious and bedtime-stalling son.
I loved these bedtime question and answer sessions with my father. And he seemed to enjoy them too. I especially liked the way he didn’t talk down to me, but gave me real answers. He encouraged my inquisitive nature and told me that I was the “smartest 7 year old he knew.”
I wouldn’t take anything for those memories with my dad. Those were wonderful times together, made especially sweet because we lost him to cancer the following year, when I was only eight years old.
In the years following I used to long for someone to answer my bedtime questions. You know, the kind of questions that keep you up at night. That’s when I started calling out to the Lord. I would ask the Lord Jesus my questions and seek His counsel on upcoming decisions. Emptying my mind of every concern I would find blessed sleep in knowing that He was my counselor. And oh, what a wonderful counselor Christ is!
His counsel is wonderful because…
Christ’s counsel is personal. Jesus calls us to a personal relationship. He knows us and our situation. He is not distant, but close. He leans in and answers us.
Christ’s counsel is powerful. Following the words and commands of Christ, we receive power to live them out. His words are not just wise advice, they contain wonder-working power. His words are life.
Christ’s counsel is perfect. His counsel is wonderful because it accomplishes its goal. His word is like a seed growing within us, making us like Him. His word is flawless and pure. It never fails.
I’m thankful this Christmas season for the Son that was given “unto us.” He is a Wonderful Counselor and more than able to answer my “bedtime questions.”
I, too, have been talking at night with Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. Sometimes I get an answer, but mostly he just listens. After I pour out my soul and tears to him, an other-world peace comes over my heart and quiets my mind. Then I fall asleep. These last two years have been full of losses so hard to accept, and I have found myself feeling low and alone. But I cry out to Jesus, and everytime he is there. He is faithful and powerful. He is tender and loving — the Love of my life.