His Name Is Wonderful

Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV)

Judges 13:18,22 – And the angel of the Lord said to him, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" And Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" (NKJV)

Recently, my sister experienced the birth of her first grandchild, Christian Paul. His name (kept as a surprise) was not announced until the day he was born. As I thought about the biblical meaning of this wonderful name, I was reminded of the first time believers were proudly called "Christians", at Antioch, as we are told in Acts 11:26. This happened during a time of great persecution.

Christians are told in the Word of God to praise His name in all circumstances, even in times when our faith is being tested. To each one who overcomes the world, Jesus promises to give "a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." (Revelation 2:17 NIV) Reflecting on this great promise, I cannot help but praise "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9 NIV). Today's Scriptures reveal that it is a name beyond human understanding and too wonderful to comprehend!

When I look at my baby great-nephew and hold his tiny body in my arms, I praise God along with David, who said, "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:14,15b,16 NIV)

Even more wonderful, God came to us in human flesh to partake of our nature and experience our sufferings. He came to us as a baby, born to die on the cross for our sins that we may have eternal life in His name. During this Advent season, let us prepare our hearts to worship our Creator and King! As we reflect on His wonderful name, His promises will inspire us to offer Him praise in every situation. By God's promise, we are then able to bear the name "Christian" proudly, in such a way that will honour our high calling in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer: Father, we praise You, for Your name is wonderful. As we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may we always be aware of Your amazing grace, infinite power, and wonderful deeds. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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