Advent Reflection: Jesus’ Words of Life

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Each week of Advent, I’ll be posting two reflections on a different name of Jesus as given in Isaiah 9:6. This week’s name is “Counselor.” 

Guest writer: Mimi Otani, crazy4jazz.com

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.

READ

John 1:14-18

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.”

REFLECT AND PRAY

A good counselor is truthful as well as gracious. Jesus’ Apostles tell us that as we speak the truth in love, we will grow more like Christ (Eph 4:15).

Counselors guide others with words. Words, especially eloquent words, can have a strong effect on people. They can be wise or they can be unwise. They can help or hurt. Therefore, a speaker or writer must take great care before expressing them. Once uttered or published, words cannot be taken back – one cannot un-ring the bell.

If human words are powerful, then how much more powerful are God’s words? His words created the whole universe and the beginning of time. Such powerful words without grace could destroy us all.

But God’s power is not aimed at our destruction but at bringing us life. Jesus, the Word in human form, reveals the Father’s heart to us by “making his home among us.” He comes to us with love and a gentle spirit (1 Cor 4:21).

In your prayer time today, ask Jesus to reveal to you what kinds of words you have spoken today to yourself and to others. Ask Jesus to show you where your words have been hurtful or helpful, whether you have spoken truth with love or used it as a weapon. As Jesus brings your words to mind, respond with either thanks for how your words brought life or by asking for forgiveness for how they caused pain. Finally, ask Jesus to speak his own words to you. Consider bringing to him a problem or a question you have been dealing with, and hear what loving counsel he has for you this Advent season.

OBEY

What have you heard from Jesus during your prayer time? He may be leading you to ask for forgiveness for harsh words spoken or inviting you to say something life-giving to a person you will encounter this week. Or, he may offer you steps to address the problem you are facing. Whatever Jesus says to you, offer him your love and gratitude for his presence with you, and respond in obedience.

Advent Reflection: “May everything you have said about me come true”

 

656b8228-6f39-443c-82fd-0c3f0771c483Each week of Advent, I’ll be posting two reflections on a different name of Jesus as given in Isaiah 9:6. This week’s name is “Wonderful.”

 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6.

READ

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.

You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

REFLECT 

Because Jesus is God, he knows everything about us: inside and out; past, present and future. Because Jesus lived among us, as one of us, he knows what it is like to live with human feelings, needs, and limitations. As fully God and fully human, Jesus offers us his wondrous love: complete, intimate knowledge matched by his complete empathy and compassion.

Advent is a season of expectation and faith. When the angel came to Mary, to tell her that she would be the mother of God’s son, the Messiah, Mary had no way to fully understand what she was being told. It was completely outside of her knowledge or experience. But she responded with these words of trust: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true” (Luke 1:38). She believed and expected that God would make his words happen, just as he said.

PRAY

During your prayer time today, speak to the One who knows you completely and loves you more than you can imagine. Ask Jesus to tell you something about yourself that he wants you to know, something that will bring you new life. He may name one of your gifts, tell you something about your present or future calling, tell you a truth about who you are, or simply tell you something that he loves about you.

When Jesus has spoken to you, respond in faith, using Mary’s words: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

RESPOND

Sometimes, because of how we have been hurt, or because of the things that we fear, it can be hard to believe Jesus when he says good things about us. If you are experiencing fear or doubt in response to Jesus’ words for you, ask Jesus to help you identify the root of those emotions. Ask him for healing and for increased faith.

Finally, consider how you would live differently if you did believe what Jesus has said to you – if you trusted Jesus to make it true, even if you can’t see it yet. In this first week of Advent, ask Jesus what step of obedience you can take. Is there a concrete action that will bring you closer to living out Jesus’ new and life for you?