Sovereign Grace Music - Wonderful Counselor Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
The people who walked in the darkness
Have seen a great light come
The people who dwelled in the shadows
Have seen a new day dawn
For to us a son is given
And to us a child is born
And the kingdom of the heavens
Is on His shoulders
Chorus
And His name shall be Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God, Prince of Peace
His name shall be Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God, Prince of Peace
Savior of the world
Verse 2
The gloom of the slave and the prisoner
Has lifted like a cloud
The ones who were crushed by their burdens
Rejoice and laugh out loud
And His kingdom will keep on increasing
His peace will have no end
He'll bring mercy, truth, and justice
By His own power
Video
Wonderful Counselor
Meaning & Inspiration
Sovereign Grace Music’s "Wonderful Counselor," released on January 1, 2006, as part of their album *Savior: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man*, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring truth of Christ’s identity and mission. This song doesn't just present a narrative; it invites us into a profound reflection on one of the most significant messianic prophecies, echoing the very heart of the Gospel. It serves as a worshipful exploration of Isaiah 9:6-7, unpacking the divine names and the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, making ancient prophecy resonate with contemporary relevance.
The song immediately draws us into the human condition before Christ, beginning with the poignant imagery of "The people who walked in the darkness have seen a great light come." This opening directly references Isaiah 9:2, where the prophet foretells a profound transformation for those dwelling "in the land of deep darkness." It evokes the spiritual blindness and hopelessness that gripped humanity, a world lost in sin and shadow, much like the world described in John 1:5, where "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." The subsequent line, "The people who dwelled in the shadows have seen a new day dawn," amplifies this message of divine intervention, signaling an end to spiritual night and the advent of God's redemptive plan. The pivotal point is then declared: "For to us a son is given and to us a child is born," a direct, joyful quotation from Isaiah 9:6, announcing the miraculous incarnation of God into human flesh. The verse culminates in the declaration that "the kingdom of the heavens is on His shoulders," affirming the sovereign authority and divine government of this promised child, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, echoing the vast dominion Christ Himself spoke of in Matthew 28:18.
The chorus then bursts forth with the glorious names revealed in Isaiah’s prophecy, declaring, "And His name shall be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace." Each title unveils a facet of Christ's unparalleled character and divine nature. He is the "Wonderful Counselor," whose wisdom transcends all human understanding, offering guidance and insight that leads to life, as Psalm 16:7 suggests and as believers experience through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised as a counselor (John 14:26). He is "Mighty God," a stark affirmation of His divinity and power, not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but God Himself, able to save completely (Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:8). The title "Prince of Peace" speaks to His unique ability to reconcile humanity to God, establishing a peace that surpasses all earthly understanding (John 14:27, Colossians 1:20) and ultimately bringing an end to strife. The addition of "Savior of the world" in the chorus concisely summarizes His redemptive purpose, underscoring that His coming was for the salvation of all who believe, a truth echoed in John 4:42 and 1 John 4:14.
Building on the themes of liberation, Verse 2 paints a vibrant picture of transformation, stating, "The gloom of the slave and the prisoner has lifted like a cloud." This imagery powerfully conveys freedom from the bondage of sin and despair, aligning with Christ’s own mission statement in Luke 4:18, to "proclaim freedom for the prisoners." The natural outcome of this liberation is palpable joy, as "The ones who were crushed by their burdens rejoice and laugh out loud," a testament to the profound relief and renewal found in taking Christ's light burden and easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). The song then looks to the future with absolute certainty: "And His kingdom will keep on increasing; His peace will have no end," directly quoting Isaiah 9:7, ensuring the everlasting and ever-expanding nature of Christ's reign. This eternal rule is characterized by perfect equity and righteousness: "He'll bring mercy, truth, and justice by His own power," reinforcing the promise that His throne will be "established and upheld with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (Isaiah 9:7), demonstrating the perfect character of His divine governance.
"Wonderful Counselor" is far more than a simple rendition of a beloved Scripture; it’s a profound act of worship that anchors the believer in the rock-solid truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. Through its thoughtful arrangement of these prophetic declarations, the song serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's divine nature, His earthly mission, and His eternal reign. It invites us not just to recall ancient promises but to live in the vibrant reality of their fulfillment, encouraging hearts with the unwavering hope and peace that only our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace can provide. Its message remains eternally relevant, continually calling us to trust in the one who bears the weight of heaven’s kingdom upon His shoulders, bringing light, freedom, and justice to a world longing for His saving grace.