By Katie Kafka
Here we are. At the beginning of the 2020 Advent season. As I take a moment to notice the shape of my heart, I find myself craving more Jesus and less world. It has become essential for me to make certain there is time in my day when I can lay aside circumstances and focus my thoughts on Him. Once I get started, I begin to realize that God’s character consumes me. Who He is shines brighter than any challenge in my day, week, month or year. I become filled with hope.
This is worship. A moment originating as gratitude in our hearts that stirs in us a response filled with reverence and awe because our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29). With the onset of Christmas, our source of gratitude comes from remembering the prophecy and birth of baby Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders;
The gift of baby Jesus, promised and fulfilled, is where our worship starts. This moment of gratitude found in the birth of a child stirs our hearts toward reverence and awe as we focus our thoughts next on the names of our Savior.
and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
I invite you to begin your Advent season by worshipping God with your mind. Take time now to reflect on the four names of Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6.
Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 77:14, Isaiah 14:24, Psalm 32:8)
Mighty God (Isaiah 42:13, Psalm 24:8, Isaiah 12:2, Psalm 18:30)
Eternal Father (Isaiah 57:15, Psalm 45:6, Isaiah 64:8, Psalm 103:13)
Prince of Peace (Isaiah 45:7, Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 52:7, Psalm 119:165)
Walk through each name or choose the one that resonates with your heart. As you engage deeper with the name, read the cross references provided in parentheses. Reflect on these things:
- What does this marvelous name mean?
- What does the name say is true about God?
- How might I respond in worship?
Once you get started, you too, will begin to realize that God’s character, found in the miracle of baby Jesus, will consume you. You will notice a heart filled with hope. May this hope found in Jesus cause us to spread His hope to the world around us this Advent season.
Merry Christmas.
Equip Her 