Pastor Jason Best, Executive Pastor

“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.”
Isaiah 9:6, NIV

If you know me, you know I love traveling to Dollywood and East Tennessee with my family—it’s truly my happy place. And one of my favorite moments while I’m there is sitting on the front porch of the cabin with coffee in hand, watching the sunrise over the Smoky Mountains. Those quiet, still, and peaceful moments just before the rest of the world wakes up is what I call my "God Time" and is when I often hear the Lord the clearest. In a world so full of noise, finding that kind of stillness and clarity feels rare—and it's in those times I’m reminded of why Jesus came.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These words in Isaiah 9:6 speak volumes, especially around Christmas. They’re more than just beautiful names; they’re gifts wrapped in the heart of Jesus. In a season often filled with busyness and distractions, He comes to offer us so much more.

Isaiah’s words were given to Israel during dark times, and each name offers hope: "Wonderful Counselor" for our confusion, "Mighty God" for our weakness, "Everlasting Father" for our fears, and "Prince of Peace" for the chaos in our hearts. When we focus on who He is, we find everything we truly need—guidance, strength, comfort, and peace.

Let's find a few moments of stillness this Christmas—maybe with a warm cup of coffee in hand—where we invite Him to fill our hearts with His peace. In those quiet moments, we may just find that He's already there, waiting to remind us of His presence, His promises, and His peace.

Lord, in this busy season, help me find quiet moments to welcome Your peace into my life. Let me rest in the hope, strength, and calm You bring. Amen.