His Name Shall Be Called: Discovering the Fullness of Christ This Christmas
Based on the Sunday, December 7, 2025 Message by Pastor Ed Russo
As the Christmas season surrounds us with twinkling lights, wrapped presents, and familiar carols, we find ourselves drawn once again to contemplate the greatest gift ever given to humanity. Beyond the cultural festivities lies a profound spiritual truth that has the power to transform every aspect of our lives.
The prophet Isaiah, writing 700 years before the birth of Christ, penned words that capture the essence of who Jesus is to us: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Within this single verse lies six powerful truths about the character and nature of Jesus Christ—truths that speak directly to our deepest needs and longings.
Fully Divine, Fully Human
The declaration that "a child is born" and "a son is given" reveals the dual nature of Christ. He entered our world as a fully human baby, born to a peasant girl named Mary, yet He remained fully divine—the Son of Almighty God. This is no mere theological technicality; it speaks to His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that we have a high priest who was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. This means there is no temptation, no trial, no hardship that He cannot understand. There is no struggle or sadness with which He cannot sympathize. Whatever you're facing today, the Christ who lives within you can handle it. As Paul declared, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The Weight He Carries
"The government shall be upon His shoulders." These words point to Christ's sovereignty—His supreme authority over all things. Consider the structure of earthly government, designed with separation of powers so no single branch bears too much weight. Yet Jesus rules alone, upholding all things through the word of His power.
If Jesus can shoulder the weight of governing the entire universe, why do we insist on carrying the weight of our world on our own shoulders? We weren't meant to live "under the circumstances"—those circumstances are meant to be under our feet. Terrorists may terrorize, politicians may pollute, and nations may threaten, but Jesus sits on the throne in unchallenged sovereignty.
The Wonderful Counselor
In a world overflowing with advice—from self-help books to social media influencers—we have access to the Wonderful Counselor whose wisdom never fails. He's not just a wise counselor; He's the wonderful counselor, pointing to His superiority. His counsel is unwavering, unfailing, faithful, and flawless, perfectly suited to every situation.
He's like a general who has never lost a battle, a physician who has never lost a patient, a teacher who perfectly instructs every student. There has never been and never will be a question He cannot answer or a problem He cannot solve.
But here's the catch: His counsel comes through His Word, and it only benefits us when we read it and apply it. Your Bible is like deodorant—it only works if you apply it. Reading God's Word isn't enough; we must put into practice what He put into print. As the Psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."
God's Word is both a lamp to our feet (for our next few steps) and a light to our path (showing us what lies ahead). We need to love the Word, learn the Word, live the Word, and be led by the Word.
The Mighty God
This title makes clear that we're not talking about a mere mortal man. Jesus is the Almighty—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. There is nobody mightier than the Almighty because there is only one Almighty.
Remember the disciples caught in storms? In one account, Jesus walked on the very water that threatened to drown them. In another, He simply spoke: "Peace, be still," and the winds and waves obeyed. The disciples asked, "What kind of man is this?" The answer: He's the Mighty God.
And He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever storm you find yourself in, look to Him. Don't allow the storm around you to become such a distraction that you take your eyes off Jesus.
The Everlasting Father
This description speaks to His sensitivity, compassion, and tender care. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He's described as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows.
You may not have an earthly father covering you right now, but you have a heavenly Father. Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
The Prince of Peace
Jesus is not just the source of peace—He actually is our peace. In a world of tribulation, He offers us His serenity. Through faith in Him, having been justified—just as if we had never sinned—we have peace with God.
When God forgives you, He forgives you completely. He doesn't put you on parole; He grants you a full and complete pardon. Colossians 2:13-14 tells us that He wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, nailing our rap sheet of transgressions to the cross.
The Greatest Gift
The baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas grew up, lived a sinless life, and was nailed to the cross as a sacrificial payment for our sins. Religion can't save us. Good works can't save us. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
This Christmas, the single greatest gift you can receive is Jesus—God's only Son, man's only Savior. He will never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, and never overlook you. When you fall, He lifts you up. When you fail, He forgives you. When you stumble, He steadies you. When you're lost, He leads you. When you're anxious and fearful, He calms you down.
His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And because of your relationship with Him, you have peace with God—now and forevermore.
WATCH THE MESSAGE HERE
As the Christmas season surrounds us with twinkling lights, wrapped presents, and familiar carols, we find ourselves drawn once again to contemplate the greatest gift ever given to humanity. Beyond the cultural festivities lies a profound spiritual truth that has the power to transform every aspect of our lives.
The prophet Isaiah, writing 700 years before the birth of Christ, penned words that capture the essence of who Jesus is to us: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Within this single verse lies six powerful truths about the character and nature of Jesus Christ—truths that speak directly to our deepest needs and longings.
Fully Divine, Fully Human
The declaration that "a child is born" and "a son is given" reveals the dual nature of Christ. He entered our world as a fully human baby, born to a peasant girl named Mary, yet He remained fully divine—the Son of Almighty God. This is no mere theological technicality; it speaks to His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that we have a high priest who was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. This means there is no temptation, no trial, no hardship that He cannot understand. There is no struggle or sadness with which He cannot sympathize. Whatever you're facing today, the Christ who lives within you can handle it. As Paul declared, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The Weight He Carries
"The government shall be upon His shoulders." These words point to Christ's sovereignty—His supreme authority over all things. Consider the structure of earthly government, designed with separation of powers so no single branch bears too much weight. Yet Jesus rules alone, upholding all things through the word of His power.
If Jesus can shoulder the weight of governing the entire universe, why do we insist on carrying the weight of our world on our own shoulders? We weren't meant to live "under the circumstances"—those circumstances are meant to be under our feet. Terrorists may terrorize, politicians may pollute, and nations may threaten, but Jesus sits on the throne in unchallenged sovereignty.
The Wonderful Counselor
In a world overflowing with advice—from self-help books to social media influencers—we have access to the Wonderful Counselor whose wisdom never fails. He's not just a wise counselor; He's the wonderful counselor, pointing to His superiority. His counsel is unwavering, unfailing, faithful, and flawless, perfectly suited to every situation.
He's like a general who has never lost a battle, a physician who has never lost a patient, a teacher who perfectly instructs every student. There has never been and never will be a question He cannot answer or a problem He cannot solve.
But here's the catch: His counsel comes through His Word, and it only benefits us when we read it and apply it. Your Bible is like deodorant—it only works if you apply it. Reading God's Word isn't enough; we must put into practice what He put into print. As the Psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."
God's Word is both a lamp to our feet (for our next few steps) and a light to our path (showing us what lies ahead). We need to love the Word, learn the Word, live the Word, and be led by the Word.
The Mighty God
This title makes clear that we're not talking about a mere mortal man. Jesus is the Almighty—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. There is nobody mightier than the Almighty because there is only one Almighty.
Remember the disciples caught in storms? In one account, Jesus walked on the very water that threatened to drown them. In another, He simply spoke: "Peace, be still," and the winds and waves obeyed. The disciples asked, "What kind of man is this?" The answer: He's the Mighty God.
And He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever storm you find yourself in, look to Him. Don't allow the storm around you to become such a distraction that you take your eyes off Jesus.
The Everlasting Father
This description speaks to His sensitivity, compassion, and tender care. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He's described as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows.
You may not have an earthly father covering you right now, but you have a heavenly Father. Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
The Prince of Peace
Jesus is not just the source of peace—He actually is our peace. In a world of tribulation, He offers us His serenity. Through faith in Him, having been justified—just as if we had never sinned—we have peace with God.
When God forgives you, He forgives you completely. He doesn't put you on parole; He grants you a full and complete pardon. Colossians 2:13-14 tells us that He wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, nailing our rap sheet of transgressions to the cross.
The Greatest Gift
The baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas grew up, lived a sinless life, and was nailed to the cross as a sacrificial payment for our sins. Religion can't save us. Good works can't save us. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
This Christmas, the single greatest gift you can receive is Jesus—God's only Son, man's only Savior. He will never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, and never overlook you. When you fall, He lifts you up. When you fail, He forgives you. When you stumble, He steadies you. When you're lost, He leads you. When you're anxious and fearful, He calms you down.
His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And because of your relationship with Him, you have peace with God—now and forevermore.
WATCH THE MESSAGE HERE
As the Christmas season surrounds us with twinkling lights, wrapped presents, and familiar carols, we find ourselves drawn once again to contemplate the greatest gift ever given to humanity. Beyond the cultural festivities lies a profound spiritual truth that has the power to transform every aspect of our lives.
The prophet Isaiah, writing 700 years before the birth of Christ, penned words that capture the essence of who Jesus is to us: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Within this single verse lies six powerful truths about the character and nature of Jesus Christ—truths that speak directly to our deepest needs and longings.
Fully Divine, Fully Human
The declaration that "a child is born" and "a son is given" reveals the dual nature of Christ. He entered our world as a fully human baby, born to a peasant girl named Mary, yet He remained fully divine—the Son of Almighty God. This is no mere theological technicality; it speaks to His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that we have a high priest who was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. This means there is no temptation, no trial, no hardship that He cannot understand. There is no struggle or sadness with which He cannot sympathize. Whatever you're facing today, the Christ who lives within you can handle it. As Paul declared, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The Weight He Carries
"The government shall be upon His shoulders." These words point to Christ's sovereignty—His supreme authority over all things. Consider the structure of earthly government, designed with separation of powers so no single branch bears too much weight. Yet Jesus rules alone, upholding all things through the word of His power.
If Jesus can shoulder the weight of governing the entire universe, why do we insist on carrying the weight of our world on our own shoulders? We weren't meant to live "under the circumstances"—those circumstances are meant to be under our feet. Terrorists may terrorize, politicians may pollute, and nations may threaten, but Jesus sits on the throne in unchallenged sovereignty.
The Wonderful Counselor
In a world overflowing with advice—from self-help books to social media influencers—we have access to the Wonderful Counselor whose wisdom never fails. He's not just a wise counselor; He's the wonderful counselor, pointing to His superiority. His counsel is unwavering, unfailing, faithful, and flawless, perfectly suited to every situation.
He's like a general who has never lost a battle, a physician who has never lost a patient, a teacher who perfectly instructs every student. There has never been and never will be a question He cannot answer or a problem He cannot solve.
But here's the catch: His counsel comes through His Word, and it only benefits us when we read it and apply it. Your Bible is like deodorant—it only works if you apply it. Reading God's Word isn't enough; we must put into practice what He put into print. As the Psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."
God's Word is both a lamp to our feet (for our next few steps) and a light to our path (showing us what lies ahead). We need to love the Word, learn the Word, live the Word, and be led by the Word.
The Mighty God
This title makes clear that we're not talking about a mere mortal man. Jesus is the Almighty—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. There is nobody mightier than the Almighty because there is only one Almighty.
Remember the disciples caught in storms? In one account, Jesus walked on the very water that threatened to drown them. In another, He simply spoke: "Peace, be still," and the winds and waves obeyed. The disciples asked, "What kind of man is this?" The answer: He's the Mighty God.
And He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever storm you find yourself in, look to Him. Don't allow the storm around you to become such a distraction that you take your eyes off Jesus.
The Everlasting Father
This description speaks to His sensitivity, compassion, and tender care. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He's described as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows.
You may not have an earthly father covering you right now, but you have a heavenly Father. Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
The Prince of Peace
Jesus is not just the source of peace—He actually is our peace. In a world of tribulation, He offers us His serenity. Through faith in Him, having been justified—just as if we had never sinned—we have peace with God.
When God forgives you, He forgives you completely. He doesn't put you on parole; He grants you a full and complete pardon. Colossians 2:13-14 tells us that He wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, nailing our rap sheet of transgressions to the cross.
The Greatest Gift
The baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas grew up, lived a sinless life, and was nailed to the cross as a sacrificial payment for our sins. Religion can't save us. Good works can't save us. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
This Christmas, the single greatest gift you can receive is Jesus—God's only Son, man's only Savior. He will never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, and never overlook you. When you fall, He lifts you up. When you fail, He forgives you. When you stumble, He steadies you. When you're lost, He leads you. When you're anxious and fearful, He calms you down.
His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And because of your relationship with Him, you have peace with God—now and forevermore.
WATCH THE MESSAGE HERE
The prophet Isaiah, writing 700 years before the birth of Christ, penned words that capture the essence of who Jesus is to us: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Within this single verse lies six powerful truths about the character and nature of Jesus Christ—truths that speak directly to our deepest needs and longings.
Fully Divine, Fully Human
The declaration that "a child is born" and "a son is given" reveals the dual nature of Christ. He entered our world as a fully human baby, born to a peasant girl named Mary, yet He remained fully divine—the Son of Almighty God. This is no mere theological technicality; it speaks to His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that we have a high priest who was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. This means there is no temptation, no trial, no hardship that He cannot understand. There is no struggle or sadness with which He cannot sympathize. Whatever you're facing today, the Christ who lives within you can handle it. As Paul declared, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
The Weight He Carries
"The government shall be upon His shoulders." These words point to Christ's sovereignty—His supreme authority over all things. Consider the structure of earthly government, designed with separation of powers so no single branch bears too much weight. Yet Jesus rules alone, upholding all things through the word of His power.
If Jesus can shoulder the weight of governing the entire universe, why do we insist on carrying the weight of our world on our own shoulders? We weren't meant to live "under the circumstances"—those circumstances are meant to be under our feet. Terrorists may terrorize, politicians may pollute, and nations may threaten, but Jesus sits on the throne in unchallenged sovereignty.
The Wonderful Counselor
In a world overflowing with advice—from self-help books to social media influencers—we have access to the Wonderful Counselor whose wisdom never fails. He's not just a wise counselor; He's the wonderful counselor, pointing to His superiority. His counsel is unwavering, unfailing, faithful, and flawless, perfectly suited to every situation.
He's like a general who has never lost a battle, a physician who has never lost a patient, a teacher who perfectly instructs every student. There has never been and never will be a question He cannot answer or a problem He cannot solve.
But here's the catch: His counsel comes through His Word, and it only benefits us when we read it and apply it. Your Bible is like deodorant—it only works if you apply it. Reading God's Word isn't enough; we must put into practice what He put into print. As the Psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."
God's Word is both a lamp to our feet (for our next few steps) and a light to our path (showing us what lies ahead). We need to love the Word, learn the Word, live the Word, and be led by the Word.
The Mighty God
This title makes clear that we're not talking about a mere mortal man. Jesus is the Almighty—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. There is nobody mightier than the Almighty because there is only one Almighty.
Remember the disciples caught in storms? In one account, Jesus walked on the very water that threatened to drown them. In another, He simply spoke: "Peace, be still," and the winds and waves obeyed. The disciples asked, "What kind of man is this?" The answer: He's the Mighty God.
And He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever storm you find yourself in, look to Him. Don't allow the storm around you to become such a distraction that you take your eyes off Jesus.
The Everlasting Father
This description speaks to His sensitivity, compassion, and tender care. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He's described as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows.
You may not have an earthly father covering you right now, but you have a heavenly Father. Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
The Prince of Peace
Jesus is not just the source of peace—He actually is our peace. In a world of tribulation, He offers us His serenity. Through faith in Him, having been justified—just as if we had never sinned—we have peace with God.
When God forgives you, He forgives you completely. He doesn't put you on parole; He grants you a full and complete pardon. Colossians 2:13-14 tells us that He wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, nailing our rap sheet of transgressions to the cross.
The Greatest Gift
The baby in the manger we celebrate at Christmas grew up, lived a sinless life, and was nailed to the cross as a sacrificial payment for our sins. Religion can't save us. Good works can't save us. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
This Christmas, the single greatest gift you can receive is Jesus—God's only Son, man's only Savior. He will never leave you, never forsake you, never mislead you, never forget you, and never overlook you. When you fall, He lifts you up. When you fail, He forgives you. When you stumble, He steadies you. When you're lost, He leads you. When you're anxious and fearful, He calms you down.
His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And because of your relationship with Him, you have peace with God—now and forevermore.
WATCH THE MESSAGE HERE
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