The world had been promised, from the time of the fall, that a Saviour would come (Genesis 3:15). Through the various prophets the promised One received many names. Isaiah gave Him 5 names in one verse (Isaiah 9:6). Each name was a one word definition of the promised One.

There is a difference of opinion concerning the first name in Isaiah 9:6. Is the first name “Wonderful”, or “Wonderful Counsellor”? I choose to make each name stand alone, and so we reflect today on the Baby in Bethlehem as the “Wonderful One”.

People were amazed at the testimony of the shepherds on that sacred night (Luke 2:17-18). Then, as He grew, He continued to amaze those around Him (Luke 2:46-47). As an adult He was a wonder (Matthew 12:23). Finally, in the hour of His death, He astonished those who stood at the cross and pondered the scene that was so dreadful, yet so full of wonder (Luke 23:47-48).

Is He wonderful to you today? Are you in awe of Him?

Are you breathless as you read today’s verses?

Do you wish to stand and quietly gaze and gaze on this Person’s singular beauty?

May today find you lost in wonder, love, and praise as you look once more on Him Whose name is Wonderful.

Jesus, wondrous Savior! Christ, of kings the king!
Angels fall before Thee, prostrate worshipping;
Fairest they confess Thee in the Heav’n above.
We would sing Thee fairest here in hymns of love.

Fairer far than sunlight unto eyes that wait
Amid fear and darkness, ’til the morning break;
Fairer than the day-dawn, hills and dales among,
When its tide of glory wakes the tide of song.

Sweeter far than music quivering from keys
That unbind all feeling with strange harmonies.
Thou art more and dearer than all minstrelsy;
Only in Thy presence can joy’s fullness be.

All earth’s flowing pleasures were a wintry sea,
Heav’n itself without Thee dark as night would be.
Lamb of God! Thy glory is the light above.
Lamb of God! Thy glory is the life of love.

Life is death if severed from Thy throbbing heart.
Death with life abundant at Thy touch would start.
Worlds and men and angels all consist in Thee:
Yet Thou camest to us in humility.

Jesus! All perfections rise and end in Thee;
Brightness of God’s glory Thou, eternally,
Favored beyond measure they Thy face who see;
May we gracious Savior, share this ecstasy.