His Names

His NamesAnd His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). It was Shakespeare’s Juliet who pondered the question, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."* With those words, she was making the point that what matters most is what something is, rather than what it is called. But conversely, what something is called may be indicative of what it is.

Take Christmas, for example

Traced back to the 11th century, in the English of the day it was Cristes mæsse, or “Christ’s mass” when mass indicated a religious feast day of celebration and worship.

And what about Xmas?

Although many are loathe to use the term, it is not dishonourable; the Greek letter ? (chi), is the first letter of the word Christ.  It’s simply short-hand.

Through much of history – and particularly in Bible times – names possessed greater meaning telling something of the person, background, family occupation, or foreshadowing something of their hoped-for destiny.

Seven centuries before His birth, the most titled Person to ever live was given names and designations prefiguring His vocation and ultimate destiny: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Takeaway: meditate on each of the Names of Christ from Isaiah 9:6, understanding how they apply – and what they teach – about the Second Person of the Trinity. He is Emmanuel, God with us!

*Romeo & Juliet, Act II

~this post originally appeared December 15, 2012.

About Us

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28 The community at Bethel includes a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Young and old, families and singles, English-speakers and those with a French mother-tongue, various ethnic and religious backgrounds. We reflect the make up of the city of North Bay. More importantly though, we are a group of people who Jesus has saved through his work on the cross. By God's plan of redemption we were all brought into one family as brothers and sisters in Christ, given a mission to reach into our world and make disciples for Him. We hope you will find at Bethel a friendly, loving group of people striving to live for Jesus Christ. Whether you are visiting for the day or trying to find a permanent church home, you are welcome to join us as we together seek out Him.

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