Reading: Acts 4:5-12 (NRSV)
Song: His Name is Jesus (Heaven’s Hope) (lyrics here)
Reflection
During our Advent journey we often find ourselves meditating on the names and titles associated with Jesus, such as:
Emmanuel (God With Us)
Christ (Messiah)
Prince of Peace
Logos (Word of God)
And of course, Jesus/Yeshua, which literally means “salvation.” We’re reminded of this when we read of the angel’s visit to Joseph:
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21, NRSV)
How often does it occur to us that whenever we use the name “Jesus,” we are proclaiming God’s saving grace? Throughout the centuries the name of Jesus has inspired some of the most meaningful lyrics in Christian hymns and worship songs, any of which can become a powerful meditation during our Christmas preparations. (for a list of worship songs around this theme, many of which are Advent-related, click here)
But the truth is that if we’re not careful, we can take his name for granted…or worse. All around us at this time of year are signs that read, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” and we need to be on guard that we don’t become numbed by overexposure and familiarity. With that warning in mind, Advent can become a time for us to intentionally and prayerfully sit with the meaning of Christ’s name, the name that Peter proclaimed as the heart of his salvation message:
“This Jesus is
‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” (vv. 11-12)
As you make your way through Advent, pay attention to the number of times you encounter the name “Jesus.” Let each of those moments be a place of gratitude and worship as you remember God’s salvation.
He is Almighty God, Immanuel
The Prince of peace, so wonderful
They worshipped then, and we do still
His name is Jesus
Almighty God, Immanuel
The Prince of peace, so wonderful
They worshipped then, and we do still
His name is Jesus
Spend some time simply sitting before God and contemplating the name “Jesus” and how it points us to God’s grace and salvation. What can you do during this Advent season to pay closer attention to the ways Christ’s name comes to us in song and by other means? What practices could help you turn those occurrences into moments of prayer and worship?