Hi friends, I’m Pastor John Harris, and welcome to today’s Advent devotional.
Advent is this special season where we slow down and intentionally prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus—both celebrating His first coming at Christmas and longing for His return. It’s a season of expectation, hope, and looking toward the light Christ brings into our world.
Today’s verse is Isaiah 9:6:
“For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
This is one of the clearest, most powerful prophecies about the Messiah—written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Isaiah gives us these four names that tell us exactly who this Child would be and what He would bring into the world.
“Wonderful Counselor”—Jesus isn’t just wise; He brings supernatural, perfect wisdom.
Mighty God”—He’s not just a teacher or example; He is divine strength in the flesh.
“Eternal Father”—He cares for us with a fatherly, steadfast love that doesn’t fade.
“Prince of Peace”—Where Jesus reigns, peace follows. He brings wholeness, not chaos.
And Isaiah says “the government will be on his shoulders.” That means all authority, all rule, all power ultimately rests on Him. The birth of Jesus was not just a cute nativity moment—it was the arrival of God’s true King stepping into our world.
So here’s the big point today: The Messiah’s birth brings divine rule, and His names show us exactly who He is. And that means you and I can trust Him with whatever we’re facing.
So let me ask you—what’s weighing on you today? What’s the thing you’ve been carrying around in your mind or heart? The anxiety you haven’t really prayed about? The decision you’re not sure how to make?
Jesus invites you to bring it to Him.
If He is truly the Wonderful Counselor, then He is the One who listens, guides, comforts, and leads us with perfect wisdom.
Today, take one anxious concern—just one—and bring it to Him in prayer. Name it out loud. Hand it over. Ask the Wonderful Counselor to carry what you weren’t designed to hold.
That’s part of what Advent is all about—learning again to trust the King who came for us.
If you missed any previous devotionals, or you’d like to go back and re-watch earlier videos, you can find them all at johnmarkharris.net.
Thanks for joining me today. I’ll see you tomorrow as we continue walking together through Advent.
