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
Over 20 years ago, I started the tradition of Advent through a prompting of a friend. It is truly the highlight for me during this crazy time of year. I love sharing the tradition of Advent with family and friends. My own children love to light the candles and have special times of worship together around our advent wreath. The anticipation to light the final candle is great and reminds us all, the best is still yet to come.
This year, I was able to introduce the tradition of Advent to my Bible class at school. We spent the month of December, daily unwrapping the names of Jesus through this special devotional, Unwrapping the Names of Jesus. The final assignment for my girls was to create a poem or essay from what they had learned from the names of Jesus. I wrote my own poem and thought I would share it with you. As your family unwraps gifts this Christmas, may you remember to unwrap the greatest gift of all in your home and community – Jesus!
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus
by Mel
Unwrapping the names of Jesus can be quick or slow.
The longer you take,
The more you can appreciate,
The beauty, grace and detail,
Of the manager, ministry and mission,
Of Jesus the Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords
The Lion of Judah, our Emmanuel.
To hunger and thirst for the Bread of Life
Will sustain and satisfy you for all eternity.
He is the Alpha and Omega
The author of your story and mine,
May He always be the Lord of your life
For He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Many will find other ways to celebrate Christmas.
They will unwrap gifts aplenty, yet
The greatest gift of all times is one that
You have been unwrapping all this time
The knowledge of who He is draws us closer to Him,
The Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God.
The Light of the World come to bring to all
The gift of hope, peace, joy and love.
The true gift of eternal life for all people for all time.
May I unwrap His love everyday
Sharing the gift of His love with others,
So they can see and know,
From the manager to the cross
God’s love is extended out for all of us!