T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME

This ADVENT

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME

What do you call God? When we think of God, many different words and names come to mind. When we think of Christmas, what comes to mind? The season of Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas in the church calendar. It is a time of waiting and preparing for baby Jesus to come. So often, we are caught up in the busyness of the holidays and get lost in the flurry of to-do lists, shopping, parties, and presents. But what if this Advent season was marked instead by light, hope, peace, presence, and rest? Advent is waiting time, where the Church waits in expectation and anticipation for our Savior. The air is pregnant with the presence of God and we are invited to declare together with Jesus mother, Mary, May [God s] word and will be fulfilled in me! CHRISTMAS ISN T JUST A SEASON. IT S THE CELEBRATION OF A PERSON. AND THAT PERSON HAS A NAME. Join us on a 25-day journey through the names of Jesus in Scripture.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Good Shepherd John 10:11-18 SCRIPTURE I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring

December 1 them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Good Shepherd. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Good Shepherd? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the Good Shepherd? How can Jesus show up as the Good Shepherd for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Consider the people in your life, who might need shepherding and care today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME I AM John 8:52-59 SCRIPTURE The Jews said to him, Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be? Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, He is our God. But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would

December 2 see my day. He saw it and was glad. So the Jews said to him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Great I Am. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Great I Am? How might your life look differently if you related to God as the Great I Am? How can Jesus show up as the Great I Am for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, etc.? Think through the various roles and responsibilities you hold and see where you can invite Jesus as the Great I Am? Share with your community today about a time in which you experienced or witnessed the greatness of God. Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Immanuel God with us Matthew 1:20-23 SCRIPTURE But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

December 3 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us ). RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as Immanuel meaning God-With-Us. How does your view of God change knowing that He is Immanuel? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was Immanuel? How can Jesus show up as Immanuel for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you show up in your community and in the lives of the people around you? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME MESSIAH Matthew 16:13-17 SCRIPTURE When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

December 4 RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Messiah. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Messiah? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the Messiah? How can Jesus show up as the Messiah for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Who in your life needs to hear the good news that Jesus is the Messiah and how can you share His impact on your life today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME The WAY John 14:5-8 SCRIPTURE Thomas said to him, Lord, we don t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Philip said, Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.

December 5 RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as The Way. How does your view of God change knowing that He is The Way? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was The Way? How can Jesus show up as The Way for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Consider the people in your community, is there anyone who is lost and is needing guidance towards God s truth? How can you show up for them today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME True Vine

John 15: 1-4 December 6 SCRIPTURE I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart to God as the True Vine. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the True Vine? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the True Vine? How can Jesus show up as the True Vine for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How might you encourage the people in your life in their God-given gifts today? What fruit do you see in their lives because of their giftings? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Great HIGH Priest Heb. 4:14-16 SCRIPTURE Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

December 7 RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Great High Priest. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Great High Priest? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the Great High Priest? How can Jesus show up as the Great High Priest for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Who in your life needs your compassion today, how can you meet them with the love and empathy of God? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Alpha & Omega Rev. 22: 12-13 SCRIPTURE Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

December 8 RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Alpha and the Omega. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Alpha and the Omega? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the Alpha and the Omega? How can Jesus show up as the Alpha and the Omega for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Who in your community might need to hear that God is steadfast in their circumstances today? How can you reach out to them? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME BELOVED One Matt. 3:13-17 SCRIPTURE Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? Jesus replied, Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness. Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on

December 9 him. And a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Beloved One. How might your life look differently if you fully embraced God s invitation to be His beloved son or daughter? How can Jesus reveal the favor and love He extends you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Who in your life needs to be reminded of their identity as a beloved child of God? How can you speak into their lives today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Bread of Life John 6:32-40 SCRIPTURE Jesus said to them, Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Sir, they said, always give us this bread. Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come

December 10 to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Bread of Life. How does your view of God change knowing that Jesus is the Bread of Life? How might your life look differently if you knew God sustained you as the Bread of Life? How can Jesus show up as the Bread of Life in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Think about someone who is hungry for the Bread of Life in your community and how you can point them towards Jesus today. Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME OUR HOPE

December 11 1 Timothy 1:1-2 SCRIPTURE Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as Our Hope. How does your view of God change knowing that He is Our Hope? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was Our Hope? How can Jesus show up as Our Hope for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Think of someone who is in a difficult season. How might you bring hope to their circumstances and encourage them? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Resurrection & THE LIFE John 11:25 SCRIPTURE Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask. Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. Martha answered, I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? Yes, Lord, she replied,

December 12 I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Resurrection and the Life. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Resurrection and the Life? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the Resurrection and the Life? How can Jesus show up as the Resurrection and the Life for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Who needs life spoken into their lives right now? What would it look like to be a source of life to someone in your community? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Redeemer

Job 19:23-27 December 13 SCRIPTURE Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart to God as The Redeemer. How does your view of God change knowing that He is The Redeemer? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was The Redeemer? How can Jesus show up as The Redeemer for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Consider your own personal journey, how can you share how God has redeemed broken places in your life with those around you? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Faithful and True Rev.19:11-16 SCRIPTURE Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth

December 14 comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as Faithful & True. How does your view of God change knowing that He is Faithful & True? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was Faithful & True? How can Jesus show up as Faithful & True for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you imitate the faithfulness and the truth of Jesus in your community today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Teacher

December 15 John 3:1-2 SCRIPTURE Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Great Teacher. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Great Teacher? How might your life look differently if you knew God as your greatest teacher? Are you in the posture of being His student? How can Jesus show up as the Great Teacher for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you live out the teachings of Jesus in your community today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Author & Perfector Heb. 12: 1-4 SCRIPTURE Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

December 16 RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Author and Perfecter of your Faith. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the author of your life? What does it mean that Jesus is perfecting you? How might your life look differently if you knew God was the Author and Perfecter of your Faith? How can Jesus show up as the Author and Perfecter for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you reveal Jesus authorship of redemption through your story in your community today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS LIGHT HAS A NAME of the WORLD John 8:12-20 SCRIPTURE When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The Pharisees challenged him, Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid. Jesus answered, Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true,

December 17 because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me. Then they asked him, Where is your father? You do not know me or my Father, Jesus replied. If you knew me, you would know my Father also. He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart to God as Light of the World. How does your view of God change knowing that He is Light of the World? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was Light of the World? How can Jesus show up as Light of the World for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? What might it look like for you to carry Jesus light into the world today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME One Who Sets Free John 8:34-38 SCRIPTURE Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father

December 18 RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the One Who Sets Free. How does your view of God change knowing that He sets people free? How might your life look differently if you knew God was offering freedom to you? How can Jesus show up as the One Who Sets Free for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you proclaim that you have been set free by Jesus in your community today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Gift of God John 4:7-14 SCRIPTURE When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, Will you give me a drink? (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. Sir, the woman said, you have nothing to draw with and the well

December 19 is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock? Jesus answered, Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up Jesus as the Gift of God. How does your view of God change knowing that Jesus is God s gift? How might your life look differently if you knew the greatest gift God ever gave us was Jesus? How can Jesus show up as a gift for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you express your gratefulness for the Gift of God in your community today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME The ADVOCATE

1 John 2:1-2 December 20 SCRIPTURE My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God as the Advocate. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Advocate? How might your life look differently if you knew God truly was the Advocate? How can Jesus show up as the Advocate for you in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Take a moment to ask God who in your life might need someone to stand for them. How can you embody the reality of advocacy to their life? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6 December 21 SCRIPTURE 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. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Wonderful Counselor. How does your view of God change knowing now that He is the Wonderful Counselor? How might your life look differently if you sought God as your Wonderful Counselor? How can Jesus show up as the Wonderful Counselor for you in a tangible way todayin your family, in your workplace, in your school, etc.? Think through the various roles and responsibilities you hold and see where you can invite Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor? Think about a problem your community is going through and pray for the wisdom and guidance of God.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME MIGHTY ONE Luke 1:46 SCRIPTURE And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with

December 22 good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Mighty One. How does your view of God change knowing that He is Mighty? How might your life look differently if you knew God as the Mighty One? How can Jesus show up the as the Mighty One in a tangible way today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? Share with your community today a time in which you experienced or witnessed the mighty power of God. Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Everlasting Father

December 23 Isaiah 9:6 SCRIPTURE 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. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Everlasting Father. How does your view of God change knowing that Jesus is everlasting? How might your life look differently if you knew God was inviting you into a life of eternal significance? How can Jesus show up in everlasting ways todayin your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? What can you do for your community today as the son or daughter of the Everlasting Father? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Prince of PEACE

December 24 Isaiah 9:6 SCRIPTURE 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. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to the Prince of Peace. How does your view of God change knowing that He is the Prince of Peace? How might your life look differently if you knew God offers you peace that surpasses all understanding in every circumstance of life? How can Jesus show up as the Prince of Peace today- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc.? How can you reveal the peace of Christ to those in your community today? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME

December 25 Merry Christmas!

T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME Matthew 1:20-21 SCRIPTURE But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. RESPONSE Slow down for a second. Take a deep breath. Re-read this passage again slowly. Let God s word speak to you today. What word or phrase is jumping out to you? Open your heart and mind up to God-Incarnate, Jesus Christ. How has your view of God changed after engaging the names of Jesus these past 24 days? How might your life look differently as you allow these names of Jesus to form and shape your life? Which name held the most weight for you in this season? Which name do you need to hold onto as you enter into the new year? Take some time in prayer and call God by this name.

Reflections After 24 days of reflecting on the names of God, how has your view of Jesus changed? What does the coming of Jesus mean to you this year? As the year comes to a close, reflect on how Jesus has shown up for you this year- in your family, in your workplace, in your school, in your community, etc. Prayer Take some time in prayer and thank God for Christmas and the upcoming New Year. Take some time to surrender and entrust all that has taken place this year into the hands of our loving God. Confess, repent, and be restored to God. Take some time to thank God for His continued faithfulness and grace as you enter into the new year. Ask for renewed vision, power, and sustained faith as you move into 2018.

Footnotes 1 Additional references in Psalm 23:1-3 2 Exodus 3: 14-15 3 Additional references in Matthew 1, 2, 11, 16, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27; Mark 1, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15; Luke 2, 3, 4, 9, 20, 22, 23, 24; John 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20; Acts 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 17, 18, 26; Romans 9; 1 Peter 1; Revelation 11, 12 4 Rev. 1:8 5 Mark 1:11 6 Matthew 26:26-29 7 Job 19:25; Psalm 19:14; 78:35; Isaiah 41:14; 43:14; 44:6, 24; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7, 26; 54:5, 8; 59:20; 60:16; 63:16; Jeremiah 50:34 8 Deuteronomy 7:9 9 Genesis 49:24; Joshua 22:22; Job 34:17; Psalm 42:4; 45:3; 50:1; 103:20; 132:2, 5; Isaiah 1:24; 10:13; 10:34; 33:21; 49:26; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 1:49

CHRISTMAS ISN T JUST A SEASON. IT S THE CELEBRATION OF A PERSON. AND THAT PERSON HAS A NAME. christmashasaname.com