Words of 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 caution 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.”—Acts 4:11-12 (NRSV)
As you make your way towards Bethlehem, 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.
Scripture for Meditation:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”—Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
Song: Your Name—Christmas Version (lyrics here)
Questions for Contemplation:
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?
What other names for Jesus have connected with you in a powerful way through the years? What was it about that name that spoke to your soul? Spend some time in prayerful gratitude for that deeper revelation of Jesus and what it has meant to you.
Here is a word cloud featuring some of the names of Jesus found in Scripture. At first glance, which ones catch your attention? Why? Sit with that for a while in prayer and let that name linger for a bit in your mind and heart.
