Listen

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.

A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever.

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Think

I remember when I was younger, asking my mom where my name came from. My name wasn’t like those of many of the kids around me. She mentioned that her best friend growing up was someone she admired and loved for her resilience and intelligence. My mom told me that her friend’s name was Marcia.

Names have power, meaning, and oftentimes a story. Names shape who we are and who we will become. They hold a vast significance in several aspects of human life and culture, playing a significant role in identity, communication, and relationships. I think of all the different names Jesus received as a child and even before his arrival: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace, among many others. These names give meaning to his divine nature, his purpose, and the impact he will have on the world. Each name reveals an aspect of his character, purpose, and authority.

Marcia Quintanilla

Question to Ponder:

Where does your name come from? How has your name shaped who you are?

Pray

God who calls me beloved,

May I always find purpose and power in the name you have given me.

Amen.

Go

Glory to the light of the world

Glory to the light of the world

For all who wait

For all who hunger

For all who’ve prayed

For all who wonder

Behold your King

Behold Messiah

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

“Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle