The Names of the Lord - Wonderful

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the governmentshall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

This is a very popular verse that is most often quoted around Christmastime.  But what does it really mean?  I'd like to take the next few posts to pick apart this verse and define each of the names of the Lord listed here.

The word "wonderful" is defined as "marvelous,astonishing, unusually good."  Wow!  Doesn't that describe Jesus?  From His angel-announced birth to His bodily resurrection, everything about Him is good and astonishing.  His sinless nature and state of being make Him unusually good, not to mention His unending patience in the face of worldly opposition, faithless disciples and fickle followers.  Yes, Jesus is truly Wonderful!