Advent Guide: The Wonder of ChristmasSample

There's Hope in a Name

Knowing who you are brings hope, joy, peace, and love. The Bible talks about several levels of identity. We were powerless, ungodly, God's enemy, and sinful (Rom. 5:6-8, 10). Jesus spoke of our identity as servants before He upgraded us to friends (John 15:15). Paul expounded on our identity as being adopted sons/daughters and heirs (Rom. 8:14-17).

But Jesus had several special names: Immanuel, Messiah (Christ), Prince of Peace, Alpha and Omega (to name a few). We celebrate His coming, and each Name reveals part of His true Identity. Do you have a special name that belongs just to you, a name that existed before the foundation of the world? Think of all the biblical characters who got a new name while they were living! There is a "you" you do not even know yet as you are conformed to the image of Jesus (Rev. 2:17)!

How do you know who you are? God must reveal that to you. You don't brand yourself or make yourself who you want to be. You listen for the name. You're particularly good at listening to negative names. Most of us have heard names through painful experiences: loser, failure, insufficient, alone, powerless. Those are common names the enemy wants us to buy into. He steals, kills, and destroys.

Take those ugly names to your Loving Father and confess your thoughts to Him. Be real and specific. Then ask simply, "What do You say? Tell me the truth."

Now listen to what He says in your spirit. Ask Him what name He will give you! Part of redemption (Immanuel, God with Us) is giving us a new identity that is part of the Identity of Jesus. Listen and receive your name!

Doug Riggs is the Executive Pastor of Open Door Church in Burleson, Texas.