Dr Nighatoli P Achumi
Pastoral Counselor, Insight Institute of Christian Counseling, 6th Mile Sovima
The season of Christmas is here once again. We often talk about the manger, the star, the shepherds, the gifts, and the angels. But today I want to draw our hearts to one powerful truth about the Child who was born that night. Isaiah 9:6 tells us, "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." This name, wonderful counselor, holds deep meaning. A counselor listens, empathizes, understands, guides, and heals.
The reason I chose to focus on this name today is because Christmas means different things to different people. For children, Christmas is often a time of merry-making, buying and wearing new clothes, meeting families and friends, enjoying cakes, food, lights, and decorations. Even for many adults, as long as life is sailing smoothly, the Christmas season becomes a time of joy, celebration, and recreation.
However, there are also people who do not experience this season with the same excitement. Some may have lost loved ones in this month- maybe this year, or even years before and this season brings back painful memories and grief. Someone may be battling a terminal illness.
Another may be fighting a mental struggle that no one sees. Some are weighed down by debts, by a dying business, or by deep worry about the future. For people like this, Christmas does not feel bright or cheerful.
This is why they need Jesus as the counselor. Not just a baby in a manger, but a Savior who understands human pain, who listens when no one else does, who comforts the grieving, and who guides the confused. And even if you are someone who is in a better place today, understanding Jesus as the wonderful counselor helps you become more Christ-like: to be a better listener, to empathize, to understand, to guide, and to bring healing to those around you.
Jesus listens, empathizes, and understands.
In the Bible, whenever people reached out to Jesus, He did not rush to fix their problems.
One of the striking things about Jesus is that He let them speak. He listened to their pain, their questions and their fears. Hebrews 4:15 reads “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin.” This reminds us that Jesus is able to empathize with us and understand us. Jesus understands poverty because He was born in humble circumstances; He knows grief because He wept at Lazarus’s death; He faced temptation as fully human. Whatever you are feeling- loneliness, fear, rejection, disappointment, exhaustion Jesus understands. Therefore, may you find comfort today in the truth that the Savior who was born at Christmas is not distant or unaware. He listens, empathizes, and understands you deeply.
Jesus is your Guide.
In Hebrew, the phrase “Wonderful Counselor” is Pele Yoetz, which means supernatural wisdom, extraordinary guidance, and counsel beyond human understanding. This means Jesus does not guide with ordinary human advice. His guidance is divine, perfect, and full of heavenly insight. Therefore, if there is anyone who is confused, stuck, or in need of direction and breakthrough. May Jesus guide your way according to His perfect will. May His supernatural wisdom lead your steps, calm your heart, and show you the path prepared for you.
Jesus heals the sick and the wounded.
During His brief time on earth, Jesus healed multitudes. He healed the blind, the lame, and the lepers. He raised the dead, set captives free, redeemed the lost, forgave sins, restored dignity, brought hope, and released physical, mental, and spiritual healing wherever He went. And the way He healed was not the same for everyone. One blind man received instant healing.
For another, Jesus touched his eyes with mud and asked him to wash in the Pool of Siloam.
Still for another, healing came in two stages - first partial sight, then full restoration.
Likewise, you may be facing a physical sickness and in need of a physician. You may be struggling with mental battles and in need of counseling. You may be carrying a spiritual burden that needs prayer, deliverance, or deeper spiritual intervention. May Jesus show you the right path and He heal you completely. May His power touch your body, His peace touch your mind, and His presence restore your spirit.
This Christmas, be reminded that the Child born in Bethlehem is the wonderful counselor. The one who listens, empathizes, understands, guides, and heals. May you experience Jesus not just as a baby in a manger, but as the counselor who walks with you.
