Embracing the Names of God
Each name of God that we explore during this Advent season opens a new door to understanding His character and His love for us. As we reflect on these names, let us remember how God reveals Himself to us, offering guidance, sustenance, and salvation.
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you to continue with us on this spiritual journey. Whether in quiet personal reflection or as part of our community gatherings, let these names of God resonate in your hearts.
December 1st: Jesus – Matthew 1:21
Our journey starts with the name above all names, “Jesus.” In Matthew 1:21, we read, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This verse introduces us to the Savior and encapsulates His mission and the depth of His love for us.
December 2nd: The Son of God – John 1:34
Today, we reflect on “The Son of God.” In John 1:34, John the Baptist declares, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” This powerful testament reaffirms Jesus as the divine Son of God, an integral part of the Holy Trinity. Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God deepens our understanding of His divine nature and His unique role in our redemption and salvation.
December 3rd: Wonderful Counselor – Isaiah 9:6
Today, we reflect on “Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah 9:6 tells us, “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.” In this name, we find wisdom and guidance, a reminder that God’s counsel is perfect and His wisdom is infinite.
December 4th: The Vine – John 15:5
“The Vine” is our focus for today. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This name teaches us about our dependence on Christ, reminding us that our strength and life come from our connection to Him.
December 6th: Author of Salvation – Hebrews 5:9
On this day, we ponder on “Author of Salvation.” Hebrews 5:9 expresses, “And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” This title reveals Jesus as the initiator and perfecter of our faith, the one who writes our story of redemption.
December 7th: Savior – I John 4:14
“Savior” is a name that resonates with hope and deliverance. I John 4:14 states, “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” This name is central to our faith, emphasizing Jesus’ role in our salvation and His selfless act of love.
December 8th: Alpha and Omega – Revelation 1:8
Reflecting on “Alpha and Omega,” Revelation 1:8 declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” This title signifies God’s eternal nature, His timelessness, and His sovereignty over all of history.
December 9th: Good Shepherd – John 10:11
Finally, today we meditate on “Good Shepherd.” Jesus says in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This name embodies Jesus’ care, guidance, and the protective love He has for each of us.
December 10th: Mighty God – Hebrews 1:3
Today, we focus on “Mighty God.” Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. This title reminds us of His divine strength and authority.
December 11th: Cornerstone – Isaiah 28:16
Reflecting on “Cornerstone,” Isaiah 28:16 tells us that God has laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation. Jesus is this cornerstone, the essential foundation of our faith and lives.
December 12th: High Priest – Hebrews 4:14-16
As “High Priest,” Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to hold firmly to our faith, knowing our High Priest understands our weaknesses and offers grace and mercy.
December 13th: Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith – Hebrews 12:2
We look to Jesus as the “Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith.” He is the initiator and the completer of our faith journey, calling us to focus on Him, especially amidst trials and challenges.
December 14th: The Creator of All – Colossians 1:16
In “The Creator of All,” we recognize Jesus’ role in creation. Colossians 1:16 reveals that through Him, all things were created. His power and creativity are unmatched and omnipresent.
December 15th: Man of Sorrows – Isaiah 53
“Man of Sorrows” depicts Jesus’ deep empathy and suffering for humanity. Isaiah 53 poignantly describes the suffering He endured for our sake, a testament to His profound love and sacrifice.
December 16th: The Christ – Mark 8:29
Peter’s declaration in Mark 8:29, “You are the Christ,” acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one sent by God. This name is central to our Christian faith and identity.
December 17th: Everlasting Father – John 14:9-10
In “Everlasting Father,” we see Jesus’ eternal nature and His fatherly care for us. John 14:9-10 shows His unity with the Father, emphasizing His divine nature and eternal presence.
December 18th: King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Revelation 19:16
Reflecting on “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” we acknowledge Jesus’ supreme authority. Revelation 19:16 portrays Him as the ultimate ruler over all kings and lords.
December 19th: Immanuel – Matthew 1:23
“Immanuel,” meaning “God with us,” reminds us of God’s intimate presence with humanity. Matthew 1:23 prophesies Jesus’ birth as God coming to dwell among us.
December 20th: The Righteous Judge – 2 Timothy 4:8
As “The Righteous Judge,” Jesus embodies divine justice. 2 Timothy 4:8 speaks of the crown of righteousness awarded by the Lord, the righteous judge, to those who long for His appearing.
December 21st: Deliverer – Romans 11:26
“Deliverer” reveals Jesus as our savior from sin and death. Romans 11:26 confirms this, declaring that the Deliverer will come from Zion and turn godlessness away from Jacob.
December 22nd: The Lamb – Revelation 12:11
In “The Lamb,” we see Jesus’ role as the sacrificial lamb, whose blood was shed for our redemption. Revelation 12:11 speaks of overcoming by the blood of the Lamb, a powerful symbol of salvation.
December 23rd: Rabbi/Teacher – John 3:2
As a “Rabbi/Teacher,” Jesus educates us in spiritual truths. John 3:2 acknowledges Him as a teacher who has come from God, enlightening us in the ways of the Kingdom.
December 24th: Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6
“Prince of Peace” reminds us of the harmony and reconciliation Jesus brings. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies His coming as a bringer of peace, a much-needed gift in our troubled world.
December 25th: The Word – John 1:1
On this special day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we reflect on “The Word.” John 1:1 reveals, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This name, “The Word,” signifies Jesus as God’s ultimate communication to humanity, His expression of Himself in human form. As the Word, Jesus embodies God’s truth and revelation, bringing His light into our world.
Embracing the Fullness of God’s Names
As we conclude our Advent Bible reading plan, let’s carry the richness of these names with us. Each name we have explored — from Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, to The Word — reveals a unique aspect of God’s character and His incredible plan for us. These names are not just titles but a testament to God’s active presence in our lives.
Celebrating Christmas with a Renewed Perspective
As we celebrate Christ’s birth this Christmas, let’s do so with a renewed understanding of who He is. The journey through these names has prepared our hearts to truly appreciate the magnitude of what we celebrate today — the birth of God’s Word made flesh, dwelling among
A Call to Continuous Discovery
Even though our Advent reading plan concludes, our journey with God does not. Let’s continue to seek Him, explore His Word, and allow the names of God to guide us in our everyday lives. May the understanding we’ve gained enrich our faith and our relationship with Him.
Closing Words
I wish you all a blessed and merry Christmas on behalf of our church and myself. May the joy of Jesus, The Word, fill your hearts and homes this season and always.
In His Love and Light,
Pastor Rob