Photo by jeffweese 
I couldn’t believe that she had tried to end her on Christmas Eve. “Why?” I asked myself on the way to the ER. “Why at Christmas?”
I didn’t know her well at the time. She’d been attending the church my dad pastored and I’d been away at college. Dad asked me to come to the hospital with him to reach out to this teenage girl. I walked into her room not knowing what to expect. The sight of both wrists bandaged made me feel weak in the knees.
Our church came together to try to help her after that night. I guess that’s what her attempt was all about. She felt helpless and alone. I remember thinking that she must not have realized that help had already arrived—it had arrived two thousand years ago in the form of a Baby. This is how the Bible describes the helper: “For to us a child is born…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). I wish she’d realized before that night what Jesus had to offer her troubled world.
If your own world feels troubled this holiday season, the gift of Jesus offers you the same hope. Here’s what He longs to be to you:
Wonderful Counselor: Do you have a problem? Do you need someone to talk to? Jesus isn’t just a counselor—he’s a wonderful counselor. His words throughout the Bible are full of guidance, answers, and comfort. He’ll listen when you talk to Him. With the whole world in His hands, He’s not too busy for you. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).
Mighty God: Are you afraid? Do you need to be rescued? Are you weak? Good news! You have a mighty God who will come to your rescue. He is strong and He is able. He fears nothing. Nothing is too big for Him. “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Everlasting Father: If your dad is physically or emotionally absent, Jesus wants to be your everlasting father. That means He’ll be there for you forever. If your earthly dad has disappointed you, your heavenly one won’t. He’s everything you’ve ever needed or wanted in a father. “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).
Prince of Peace: If you’re worried, confused, or carrying a heavy load, He’ll give you peace. He’s the prince of it. He’ll give it to you through His word as you search the Bible, and as you talk to Him about everything that troubles you. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
This Christmas, you’re not alone. You’ve been given a Counselor, God, Father, and Prince. His name is Jesus, and He’s God’s gift to you. Merry Christmas.
—Written by Nancy Canwell