Advent reflections: Titles of Jesus
- Chris Lewis
- Nov 28, 2025
- 24 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
An advent candle from the charity ‘Embrace the Middle East’ has given us the idea for a daily reflection, which we will post on our Facebook Community page every day throughout December until Christmas Day.
There are many names and titles which the Bible gives to Jesus. The Old Testament talks about waiting for a ‘Redeemer’, known as the ‘Prince of Peace’. Jesus calls himself the ‘Good Shepherd’ and ‘The Vine’. After the resurrection, Peter writes about Jesus being the ‘Perfect Sacrifice’. What other ones can you think of?
Starting on Monday 1st December and carrying on until Christmas Day, we will explore some of these names and titles which have been given to Jesus. Each day we will concentrate on one name or title. We will look at a Bible verse and there will be a short reflection, put together by one of our Core Team.
We hope the reflections will help to prepare our minds for Christmas celebrations, and hopefully provide a bit of calm during a hectic time of year. If you feel inspired by any of the reflections and would like to contribute something, or get creative, we would love for you to do so by posting in the comments beneath each reflection. Thoughts, poetry, writing, prayers, art or music- all will be welcome, as we explore what Jesus means to us!
Day 1 Jesus - The Word
The word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighbourhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
Like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.
John 1:14 (The Message)
I wonder what sparks your interest in this picture?
Prayer
Lord, Advent your people,
If you’re feeling weary, O come, all ye heavy-laden.
If your heart is full, O come, all ye grateful.
If you’re anxious about the future, O come, all ye fearful.
If you’re hopeful but hesitant, O come, all ye curious.
If you’re carrying a grief, O come, all ye brokenhearted.
If you’re ready for a fresh start, O come, all ye expectant.
If you’re barely hanging on, O come, all ye exhausted.
However you arrive, there’s a place for you here. We know there are many demands on your time. We know the pace of this season is nonstop. We know the nights are longer and the days are colder. God beckons us to reset, recenter, and be reoriented together.
Amen
Day 2 Jesus - Light of the World
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
John 8:12 (NIV)
What do you picture when you think about God being the Light Of The World? Some common images are of stars, the sun, lighthouses and candles. I wonder what your image is.
I wonder how many of you have enjoyed singing the following song over the years as much as I have. Listen to it again on this link, and reflect on the lyrics if you like.
"Lord the light of your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus light of the world shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth you now bring us,
Shine on me"
Prayer:
Radiant God
May your light shine into the dark places in the world, highlighting ways to safety and peace.
Jesus, light of the world
We give thanks for the lights you shine ahead of us, leading and guiding us in our worry and fear.
Spirit of light
Help us be the light for others, showing the way to you in hope and rejoicing in your love
Amen
Day 3 Jesus- Advocate
I write this, dear children, to guide you out of sin. But if anyone does sin, we have a Priest-Friend in the presence of the Father: Jesus Christ, righteous Jesus. When he served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for good—not only ours, but the whole world’s. - (1 John 2:1 - The Message Translation)
"Advocacy is not about speaking on behalf of others; it's about ensuring their authentic voices [in their own words] are heard." - Anderson Marsh
To be an advocate is to listen. Society can’t move forward without both.” – Eva Marie Lewis
Social Advocacy is Social Justice, particularly on behalf of populations/groups that have been or are disadvantaged, disempowered, or discriminated against. Society advocacy can help influence social policy, including government decisions.
"Hands and feet of Jesus" is a Christian metaphor for being Christ's physical presence in the world today by performing acts of love, service, and compassion for others. It means using your actions to show God's love and meet the needs of those around you, echoing the work Jesus did during his ministry by serving the sick, the poor, and the forgotten.
What might God be saying to you through these words and pictures?
What's drawing your attention?
We're called to be Jesus' Hands and feet. What might Jesus be inviting you to do?
Hymns that might help you reflect on today's theme -
Prayer
To our wonderful advocate…
To the one who guides
Through all life's light and shade,
My rock, my shelter.
To the one who shouts with me
Through joy and pain,
My comforter, my encourager.
To the one who lifts me up
beyond what I believe I can reach,
My strength, my inspiration.
To the one who sacrificed his life,
Defeated death and lives once more,
My defender, my forgiver,
To the one who stands
with me, and for me for all time,
my advocate, my Jesus.
Amen.
Day 4 Jesus- Lamb of God
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (NIV)
This beautiful song, ‘O Come All You Unfaithful’ by Lisa Crow and Bob Kauflan explores this theme, and reminds me that I can come to Him, just as I am.
Do any of the lyrics resonate with you?
O come, all you unfaithful
Come, weak and unstable
Come, know you are not alone
O come, barren and waiting ones
Weary of praying, come
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
O come, bitter and broken
Come with fears unspoken
Come, taste of His perfect love
O come, guilty and hiding ones
There is no need to run
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
He's the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
He's the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
So come, though you have nothing
Come, He is the offering
Come, see what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
Prayer
Thank you Jesus, Lamb of God,
that you made the perfect sacrifice
so that we could have our sins forgiven
and be blameless in the eyes of God.
Amen
Day 5 Jesus-Deliverer
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Luke 4:18-19
Listen to this beautiful piece of music by Elgar which sets these verses to music.
Reflect on times when God has delivered you from troubles. Does this name still resonate with you when you are struggling and waiting for deliverance?
Day 6 Jesus- Prince of peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)
I love peaceful times with my piano,
When I can just 'be'-
Listening, responding and enjoying
the gift of peace Jesus brings.
Do you have a place like this?
But peace can also break out
In the most unusual places,
In the most difficult and odd times.
When human understanding can't expect,
Peace appears!
Jesus is present!
Have you ever experienced something like this,
When peace seems to search for you?
Prayer:
Thank you Prince of Peace
For your reassuring presence flowing through me
Every day, no matter what.
Amen.
Advent Day 7 - Immanuel
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)."
Matthew 1:23 NIV
Listen to this advent hymn today.
When you think of Jesus being "God with us" what emotions, images or thoughts arise for you?
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.
O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave.
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.
Prayer
God of light
Be with us in the dark times
When we struggle to see the way
Help us to feel your comfort ever with us
To know our worth in the world
To hear your voice leading us each day
To praise you as we emerge hopefully into safety
Remind us to celebrate your love that knows no end
And to transform that celebration into action for those less blessed than ourselves
Blessed is Jesus who comes in the name of the Lord
Amen
Day 8 Jesus - Son of God.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)
What a gift from God!!!
His only son, sent to earth as a baby. What an unfathomable, miraculous mystery. Given. For us. For you. For me.
Spend some time pondering this. Use the clip art image, or the song link to allow praise, worship and thankfulness to rise within you.
Day 9 Jesus - Righteous Judge
" And now there is waiting for me the prize of victory awarded for a righteous life, the prize which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day - and not only to me but to all those who wait with love for him to appear".
2 Timothy 4 : 8 NIV
Lord,
You came to make us holy.
Your righteousness is a relief to our souls,
Shining out in a world that is so marred by darkness and corruption and violence.
You come as a plumbline, showing what is true, right and just.
You come as a purifying fire, burning away what harms us and holds us back.
Help us remember that you see us in the light of your love.
We will see you face to face, standing in the presence of Love,
and all we are and have been will be seen and known.
Lord, help us keep faithful, trusting your love as we wait for you.
Amen.
Day 10 Jesus- Author of Salvation
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Listen to this worship song that proclaims God is the Author of Salvation.
Here are some of my other favourite lyrics in the song:
"Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
...
So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything that I believe in
Now I surrender"
Do you resonate with these lyrics too? Which is your favourite?
Day 11 Jesus- Redeemer
"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth."
Job 19:25 (NIV)
Listen to this classic hymn today.
How do the words and music make you feel?
I like the image of being held in God's powerful hand. Do you like this image, or what other images from the song do you resonate with?
Prayer
Jesus our redeemer
Our hope lives in you at all times
Bless us with the faith to hold fast to you during the dark times, just as Job did.
We trust you to bring justice to the world and to reveal your love and truth in everything.
We pray this in your perfect name
Amen
Day 12 Jesus- Founder and Perfecter
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
I have written this poem inspired by the Bible verse:
Jesus the founder
Author
Pioneer
Initiating our faith
Leading us through life
Blazing a path to follow
Guiding us when in strife
Jesus the Perfecter
Empowerer
Teacher
Bringing faith to perfection
Completing God's mission
Teaching us obedience
As we follow his commission
I wonder...
Do any of these names for Jesus make the most sense to you and your faith?
Do you have a favourite?
I have included a painting from my series "Following Jesus". It is a painting in oranges, yellows and browns of a number of six people walking towards the horizon.
You might like to listen to the hymn “O Lord my God (How Great Thou Art)” which came to my mind when I was completing the painting.
I wonder how the painting and hymn speak to you?
What do they make you think or feel?
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee
how great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,
how great thou art, how great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die – I scarce can take it in
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
he bled and died to take away my sin:
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
and take me home – what joy shall fill my heart!
Then shall I bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim, ‘my God, how great thou art!’
Prayer
Jesus
Founder of our faith
Author of the truth
Model for our lives
We give thanks for the ways you inspire us every day
We ask that you help us every day to come closer to you, listening to your advice and following your example to love God, other people and ourselves
In your holy name
Amen
Day 13 Jesus - Creator
“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
John 1:3 (NIV)
1) What aspects of creation either blow your mind or bring you joy? Lease share your comments. You might want to post photos, or pictures, poems, writings that you’ve created yourself. (Please include a description of any pictures you post for those with sight impairment.)
2) How does it feel to know that you are part of God’s creation? That He formed you and takes delight in you?
The song ‘Indescribable’ (written by Laura Story and Jesse Reeves, sung here by Laura Story) helps us to consider these things and give a response of worship: “You are amazing, God!”
Day 14 Jesus - Good Shepherd
'I am the Good Shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep'.
John 10 : 11 (NIV)
Jesus embodies the love of God, which is self-giving, self-sacrificial. Perhaps we have been hurt by people who didn't manage to love us unselfishly. Perhaps we have grown cynical that love like this can even exist. Thank you, Lord, for love we can trust. May we grow deeper in trust and in your love, so we can reflect your love to others.
Do you have a favourite song or hymn on the theme of the Good Shepherd?
This is one of mine.
Day 15 Jesus- King of Kings.
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and Lord of Lords.
Revelation 19:16 (NIV)
What comes into your head when you think about Christ’s return?
Suffering and pain will cease.
Evil will be no more.
Heaven and Earth will be transformed.
What do you look forward to?
Here is a song which reminds us that the ‘lamb of God’ which takes away the sin of the world, is also King of Kings- more powerful than any leader, regime or system we can imagine!
It is called ‘Behold the Lamb’ and is written by Lionel Peterson, performed by 65dBA.
Here are the lyrics…
Behold the Lamb behold the Lamb
Upon a white horse He returns
In majesty faithful and true
He triumphs now to rule and to reign
His eyes like fire
His head full crowned
He holds the nations in His hands
In awesome power with victory sure
He rides in judgment and to war
Behold the Lamb behold the Lamb
In shame and sorrow
Once He came
No crown of thorns
No cross of pain
He stands revealed in glory now
All heav'n resounds
He takes His throne
To rule the earth
His world reclaim
We all will hail with one accord
The King of kings and Lord of lords
Behold the Lamb behold the Lamb
Upon a white horse
He returns
We all will hail
With one accord
The King of kings
And Lord of lords
Prayer/ Reflection
Today we look forward with hope-
Knowing you will return.
Your Kingdom will finally come
And You will reign,
Completely-
Our King of Kings.
Today we look forward with hope-
Knowing leaders, past, present and future,
Both wise and foolish,
Will look into your eyes.
They will realise that none
Are greater than you-
Our King of Kings.
Today we look forward with hope-
Knowing you do not forget
That we have put our trust in you.
In present pain and suffering,
Help us to remember
That final victory
Will be yours-
Our King of Kings.
Amen.
Day 16 Jesus- Lords of Lords
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
Reflection
Jesus is the Lord, above all other lords, with all authority given to Him, and one day all will bow to Him, bringing hope and comfort to all.
Reading this section from Philippians reminded me of a hymn I have always loved; "At the name of Jesus".
You can listen to it here and the lyrics are below…
Lyrics:
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him King of glory now;
this the Father’s pleasure, that we call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
Humbled for a season, to receive a name
from the lips of sinners unto whom he came;
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious when from death he passed.
Bore it up triumphant with its human light,
through all ranks of creatures to the central height;
to the eternal Godhead, to the Father’s throne,
filled it with the glory of his triumph won.
Name him, Christians, name him, with love strong as death,
but with awe and wonder, and with bated breath;
he is God the Saviour, he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshipped, trusted and adored.
In your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue
all that is not holy, all that is not true;
crown him as your captain in temptation’s hour,
let his will enfold you with its light and power.
I wonder…
Have you ever bowed to Jesus? I'm sure many of us have prayed on our knees, how did that feel?
We are just over half way through these titles of Jesus so I wonder.... How would you describe Jesus to someone who had never heard of him?
This painting is from my (Emma Major) series "Following Jesus".
Painted in yellows and oranges it has Jesus at the centre looking towards us and slightly upwards, with a bright light behind him, and two people standing each side of him.
Prayer
Jesus,
You are the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the one who all in Heaven and Earth bow to, now and always
We praise you with all that we are and all that we do
We thank you for leading us and loving us, for the hope and comfort you give to us
We turn to you faithfully today,
asking that you remind us to turn to you in times of trouble,
lean on you when we are weary
and listen to your wisdom at all times.
Amen.
Day 17 Jesus- Messiah
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16 (NIV)
This is the moment for Simon Peter. This is when he realises.
Light dawns. God’s Spirit whispers within him…
This man is not just good. Not just holy. Not just a prophet.
This man is THE one! The Messiah, anointed one- with a job to do!
He’s not just come with a message, He IS the message!
The one they’ve all been waiting for!
Yet, what’s this? Just a little later-
All this talk about THE One suffering?
Suffering at the hands of the elders?
Being killed? Raised to life?!
Surely the Messiah wouldn’t have to endure that indignity!
Imagine the humiliation!
What is the Messiah for, anyway?
Peter would eventually learn…
God’s plan for the anointed, the Messiah, was so different from ours.
God’s plan for saving the entire world is far more vast than we can imagine.
God is full of surprises, and saves in the unlikeliest of ways.
Here is the hymn ‘Come Thou Long Expected Jesus’. The words are below.
What comes into your mind, when listening to this?
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Day 18 Jesus- Alpha and Omega
God, King of Israel, your Redeemer, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, says: “I’m first, I’m last, and everything in between. I’m the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up.”
Isaiah 44:6 (The Message)
Picture Description
In this picture, Christ holding the world or bread in his hands with the letters A Alpha and O Omega framing his head and some Latin words around the edge in a stamp-like frame. A dark background, an oblong box containing the Alpha and Omega letters in grey text, with the other letters of the Greek alphabet faded behind.
A slightly larger box below, to the right of Christ, with the words: "Chronos is the time you count; Kairos is the time that counts." next to that is a circular graphic with the words of the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner) with Chi-ro black and white in circle. Lastly, the words in white type read: "Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again."
The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet – they are often pictured on either side of the Chi Rho. The letters come directly from the Bible, specifically the book of Revelation, where Christ defines himself as the alpha and omega – the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The symbol conveys God's eternity.
Being depicted alongside the Chi Rho expresses a key Catholic belief about Jesus: that he is divine and therefore eternal. God and Jesus always have and always will exist.
Our time (Chronos) God's time (Kairos)
God transcending time and space, our perception of past, present, and future is merely humanity's construction of time (Chronos). God works outside of human time eternally present, a state of being in the "Now," where the constraints of linear time and physical location dissolve into pure awareness or infinite potential (Kairos)
Pondering…
Which image draws your attention most?
What might change in your understanding of who God is?
How might you live more deeply in God (Kairos time)?
Prayer
Christ at the start of time
Christ in the now
Christ at the end of time.
Amen.
Day 19 Jesus- Perfect Sacrifice
"We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)
Reflection
Jesus' loving, faithful obedience to God was sufficient to deal with sin completely and forever, signifying that the old system of daily sacrifices was abolished.
I painted this image of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns for Easter 2025 and I think it captures the pain and power that were balanced when Jesus followed God's command to give himself up to the cross. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, holy and pure, for us.
You might like to listen to this hymn "There is a green hill far away" which is traditionally sung at Easter.
Lyrics:
There is a green hill far away,
without a city wall,
where our dear Lord was crucified
who died to save us all.
We may not know, we cannot tell,
what pains he had to bear,
but we believe it was for us
he hung and suffered there.
He died that we might be forgiven,
he died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heaven,
saved by his precious blood.
There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin,
he only could unlock the gate
of heaven and let us in.
O dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
and trust in his redeeming blood,
and try his works to do.
I wonder...
What do you feel or think when you see this painting and listen to this hymn?
What does "perfect" mean to you?
If you were at the foot of the cross, what would you say to Jesus?
Prayer
Jesus, our friend, our Lord
You lived a perfect life, help us follow you in our own lives
You taught us how to act, help us to take similar actions every day
You showed us how to love, help us love one another
You were the perfect sacrifice,
We thank you for this gift of perfect love for us all
Asking that you inspire us to share your love and truth as perfectly as we are able.
Amen.
Day 20 Jesus- Great High Priest.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
He saw we were in a mess-
But just seeing wasn’t enough for him.
So he came down to our level.
He felt the heat of day,
And the chill of night.
He knew hunger and thirst,
Contentment and despair.
He felt all the joy of love,
And also all its pain.
He had good and bad days,
(And some were terrifying).
Yes, he joined us in the dirt and grime,
Yet remained spotless-
Even in death,
The spotless- sacrificed.
Now, risen, ascended,
with sacrifice accepted,
The Great High Priest
Lives and breathes
Your name and my name
In holy places.
He came down to our level
So we might be raised up to his…
Day 21 Jesus - The Vine
'I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without me'. John 15 : 5 (NIV)
Humans are designed to be connected to one another, emotionally, and spiritually. Even before birth, we are aware of our relationship with our mother, and developing humans are created to be nurtured in love. When we have a relationship with God through Jesus, we are reconnected to the source of all love, God himself. Remaining in Christ means being held and rooted in love, and for this to feed our souls and drive our actions.
Prayer
Lord, keep us abiding in you.
Come to us and draw us ever closer to you
so that your love motivates all we do.
Amen.
What might God’s Spirit be saying to you through this song?
Day 22 Jesus - The Christ
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon Peter and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (the Christ).
John 1:41
Reflection
Andrew was the first called, he told his brother about Jesus and later brought many others to Christ as he travelled around the Black Sea and through Greece.
What does being "the Christ" mean?
Jesus is the promised Messiah (Christ) who serves as the "gate" or access point to God, as described in the Gospel of John (John 10:9) “I am the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved. He'll come in and go out and find pasture.”
(This month we have been looking at Psalm 24 which also talks about how we should lift up our eyes at the gates - to acknowledge God.)
The painting I am sharing from my series "Following Jesus" was inspired by the sections in the gospels where Jesus goes to the Sea of Galilee and speaks to the fisherman who become his first disciples (Matthew 4:18–22, Mark 1:16-20 and Luke 5:1–11)
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, called Peter and his brother Andrew. .... "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
I wonder...
Do you remember first hearing about Jesus? What did you feel or think?
Who have you told about Jesus and how have they responded to this.
I wonder if there is a part of Jesus' life that most inspires you? Perhaps it is Jesus birth or resurrection, or a favourite miracle. It would be wonderful to read your favourite bible verses.
Today I'm sharing one of my favourite carols in a modern arrangement which I hope you will enjoy today- ‘Joy to the World’.
Lyrics:
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and heaven and nature sing!
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While field and floods, rocks, hills, and plains.
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
Far as the curse is found.
Far as , Far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove;
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
Prayer
Father God, help us hear your voice clearly as the disciples did
We sometimes find it hard to know how you can care for everyone all of the time. Yet we know it to be true.
Give us faith through our loneliness when you seem far away, and joy in your love when we know you are close by at our sides.
We hear the good news that you are always with us, let us know this inwardly in our lives and follow you wherever you lead us
Thank you Lord for the reminder that you are ever present.
Amen.
Day 23 Jesus - Saviour
“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
Have you ever found yourself in a tricky situation that you needed rescuing from?
How did you feel when help arrived? Relief? Gratitude? Hope? Joy?
Jesus, we thank you that you came into this world to save it; to save us.
We thank you that you have saved us FROM sin and death
and that you have saved us FOR eternal life with you. Amen
I took this photo many years ago. It shows an adult hand clasping the hand of a child. It speaks to me of love, security, rescue. It says to me, “I’ve got you.” How does the Lord speak to you through it today?
This song, ‘Noel’ by Lauren Daigle features the line, “Saviour of humanity.” I hope it blesses you today.
Day 24 Jesus- Wonderful Counselor
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
What does it mean- ‘Counselor’?
A guide, perhaps?
Bringer of wisdom?
Showing the way?
To people with power?
what about those without?
(And those in between?)
Now add ‘wonderful’-
A word meaning…
Well, how would you describe it?
In how many ways is Jesus wonderful?
So perhaps you could say…
Not just a guide,
He is the only guide that matters.
Not just a bringer of wisdom,
He is where all wisdom comes from.
He is not just showing the way,
He is the way, the truth and the life!
To all people with power.
To all without.
And all those in between.
Here is a YouTube video of a part of Handel’s Messiah. It puts this verse to music. How does this music speak to you?
Day 25 - Jesus
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
Reflection
Happy Christmas
Today is the day we celebrate the baby born holy. Lord of Lords, King of Kings, saviour, priest, Messiah, teacher, perfect sacrifice.
Today I am sharing my poem and a collage of my ‘Following Jesus‘ paintings of Jesus through the years including new born Jesus, baby Jesus with Mary, boy Jesus with Joseph, teenage Jesus, apprentice Jesus and Jesus calling his first disciples.
Baby Jesus
Born humble and poor
To a mother young
Innocent and pure
Who accepted the task
That most would run from
Who trusted an angel
Despite her shock and fear
Who married a man
Who would father the Messiah
Teach him to be a carpenter
What a holy family
Chosen by God
To protect and teach
The saviour of humanity
Nurture and educate
Jesus, God on Earth
Who through his life
Baby, boy and man
Knows our hurt and pain
Loves and passions
He feels our emotions
Understands our actions
He loves us completely
Leads us daily
Forgives us entirely
Invites us to join him for eternity
This is the Jesus story
Since it is Christmas Day I am celebrating by sharing two carols.
O Come All Ye Faithful sung traditionally at King's College Cambridge
Hark the Herald Angels Sing arranged and sung by the wonderful spiritual choir in St Paul's Cathedral
I wonder?
What age do you mostly think Jesus is when you think of him? Does this change through the year?
What is your favourite carol? Have you sung it today? It would be wonderful to have the comments full of carols for us all to enjoy through the coming days.
Prayer
Jesus, born in a stable because there was no room in the inn;
We pray for the homeless
Jesus, born away from your hometown;
We pray for those away from their families this Christmas
Jesus, hunted by Herod;
We pray for those in danger, for those who live in war zones
and those who are treated unjustl
Jesus, living as a refugee in Egypt;
We pray for all refugees in the world and for the situations they flea fro
Jesus, visited by shepherds and wise men;
We pray that this Christmas, everyone who is lovely be visited by someone bringing comfor
Jesus, preacher and teacher;
We pray for all those who search for a meaning in life, may you provide them with people to guide them
Jesus, healer and deliverer;
We pray for healing for all those who are ill this Christmas
Jesus, born as one of us;
We pray today that peace, hope and love of you be known and felt around the world.
Jesus, we pray to you knowing that you hear us,
that you intercede for us and that you answer our prayers
Amen
Comments