For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God, Mighty One, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace ~ Isaiah 9:6
Most of us are given one or two names at birth. We may acquire a few nicknames as we grow, but that's pretty much it. Most people prefer to be called by their given name and not some other name. We have a sense that our name stands for who we are.
‘Each of the Lord’s names describes one of His qualities’
Time and again we are told to call upon the name of the Lord (Psalm 116; 1Kings 18:24-25; 2Kings 5:11; Zephaniah 3:9, etc). In fact, it is repeated so often that some people think we actually need to say the word ‘name’ when we pray - they believe that unless you say ‘We ask this in Jesus’ name’, our prayers will not be heard.
In the New Church, we are told that each of the Lord’s names describes one of His qualities (Heavenly Secrets 144 etc.). Because He is infinite, He has infinite qualities and so He has many names to describe each of them.
Look at the list above and let yourself consider each of the names of the Lord. Close your eyes and see what images, emotions and thoughts each name brings to mind for you. What is the difference between thinking of the Lord as your Prince of Peace, as a Counsellor, a Lion, Righteousness or Immanuel (God with us)?
One of the wonderful opportunities we gain every Christmas season is an opportunity to come to know our Lord a little bit better. As we learn about Him over the years, more and more of those names will come to have meaning and power.
Here's a suggestion: each day between now and Christmas, set aside time to think about the Lord. Reflect on one of His names, on what it means and on how you can honour Him for that quality. Then ask Him to help you open up to that Presence within yourself.
And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13-14
I am the Root and the Offspring of David,
the Bright and Morning Star.
Revelation 22:16
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,
and they shall call His name Immanuel,
which is translated, ‘God with us’.
Matthew 1:23 & Isaiah 7:14
“Do not weep.
Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,
has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah,
nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
until Shiloh [literally Peace] comes;
and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
Genesis 49:10