How would a friend who knows you well describe you in just five words? When a person knows you well, they know about you! And it's easy to come up with five words...and more!
The same is true for Jesus. Richard Longenecker writes “In Semitic thought, a name does not just identify or distinguish a person, it expresses the very nature of his being.” The names of Jesus are worth getting to know because when we do, we know about Him. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus long before He was born:
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
With Christmas a few days away, let’s get to know the Jesus we celebrate in five words. Let’s look closely at these descriptions of Jesus:
Wonderful- What gives you a sense of wonder? Waking up to a beautiful hushed snowfall comes close for me. But, knowing Jesus, the glory of who He is and what He’s done for me gives me a sense of awe and wonder. I truly can't imagine life without Jesus! The more we know Him, the more wonderful He is! Do you know how wonderful He is?
Counselor- Jesus is our counselor. He is able more than anyone to guide your life. He may use His presence or speak to you through others to guide you. Jesus’ counsel is totally FOR you. As my counselor, I don't have to figure things out on our own, and that makes me so grateful! Where do you need guidance and direction from Jesus today?
Mighty God- His might is a sure sign of safety and security. Knowing He’s mighty is a call not to be afraid. What do you fear? Jesus is near to you.
Everlasting Father- King Jesus is a father that will provide for us forever. He knows us intimately and cares for our needs. His love and concern for you is like a parent with their own child. Do you know his fatherly love for you?
Prince of Peace- Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has made peace between God and man. He invites us to be ambassadors of His peace to the rest of the world. In the chaos of the pandemic, He is the prince of peace that calms our anxious hearts. How do you need his peace today?
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
With Christmas a few days away, let’s get to know the Jesus we celebrate in five words. Let’s look closely at these descriptions of Jesus:
Wonderful- What gives you a sense of wonder? Waking up to a beautiful hushed snowfall comes close for me. But, knowing Jesus, the glory of who He is and what He’s done for me gives me a sense of awe and wonder. I truly can't imagine life without Jesus! The more we know Him, the more wonderful He is! Do you know how wonderful He is?
Counselor- Jesus is our counselor. He is able more than anyone to guide your life. He may use His presence or speak to you through others to guide you. Jesus’ counsel is totally FOR you. As my counselor, I don't have to figure things out on our own, and that makes me so grateful! Where do you need guidance and direction from Jesus today?
Mighty God- His might is a sure sign of safety and security. Knowing He’s mighty is a call not to be afraid. What do you fear? Jesus is near to you.
Everlasting Father- King Jesus is a father that will provide for us forever. He knows us intimately and cares for our needs. His love and concern for you is like a parent with their own child. Do you know his fatherly love for you?
Prince of Peace- Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has made peace between God and man. He invites us to be ambassadors of His peace to the rest of the world. In the chaos of the pandemic, He is the prince of peace that calms our anxious hearts. How do you need his peace today?
May Jesus be these five names and more to you this Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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