And He Shall Be Called: An Advent Meditation on the Matchless Names of Jesus

Names often reflect the culture, heritage, and sometimes the ethnicity of the recipient. A person’s name happens to be one of the most important things they possess. Research has found that a person’s name can influence his or her sense of self. Names were incredibly significant in ancient Hebrew culture. In the time of Christ, a person’s name was a descriptive portrayal of who that person was. Names define a person’s character, their very essence. That’s what we want to explore together in the next few weeks—the nature of Christ as revealed in His many wonderful names.

More than seven hundred names and titles for Christ can be found throughout Scripture. Each gives us a glimpse into who Jesus is. Each describes something special about His spirit, revealing distinctive attributes He possesses. Although Christ is far beyond any and all linguistic attempts to fully and accurately describe Him, these multifaceted names help us better comprehend, honor, and love Him. Author Robert Morgan writes, “All Christ’s designations and all his glorious names meet varying needs in our own lives. They reveal diverse dimensions of his power, love, grace, glory, and goodness that touch our souls. They disclose the many layers of his relationship with us.”

Incorporating the various names of Jesus into your daily prayer rule is a great starting point for knowing and loving Christ more deeply. At this often hectic season of the year, we would do well to keep our minds fixed on Him. While selecting the music for this particular Advent Project, it quickly became apparent that there was an abundance of music containing incredible lyrics describing our Lord, taken directly from Scripture. Familiar carols, praise songs, and hymns of the faith are brimming over with the dynamic names of Christ. That’s why we have included more musical selections than usual this Advent. Pay close attention to these texts as we meditate together on the matchless names of our wonderful Lord. Whisper these names as you wake in the morning and as you go to sleep in the evening. Sing His names as you shower or drive to work. Use the names of the Lord throughout the day in adoration and praise. There is power in the name of Jesus because He is a powerful God—a God of infinite goodness and boundless grace.

Christ
Rembrandt, c. 1657–61
The Hyde Collection
Glens Falls, New York