Advent reflections: Titles of Jesus
- Chris Lewis
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
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