The Gift That Keeps On Giving

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

This past Sunday began what has been affectionately known since the earliest days of church history as the beginning of the Advent season, the four weeks prior to the celebration of Jesus birth. Advent means “arrival” and is a reference to the arrival of Jesus Christ into this world in human form just over 2000 years ago. It’s well noted that the best gifts we offer others are when we give the gift of ourselves and that is exactly why we celebrate the advent of Jesus every Christmas. We recall when God gave you and I His best gift, the gift that keeps on giving as God gave us Himself, coming to us in human form as the Bible teaches in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” God came to us so we could come to Him.

Throughout the Bible, the names of God are like snapshots of His character and His promises. In the Bible, a person’s name identified them and stood for something very specific. This is especially true of God as naming carries with it a special significance. Naming was a sign of authority and power that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when God placed man in the garden giving him dominion over all that was there. Adam’s authority was evidenced in his giving names to every living creature that was its name.

God has revealed His names to us rather than allowing us to choose our name for Him and in doing so we are ensured that God is who He claims to be. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Isaiah the prophet revealed five names of God to help us Identify Him, gifts you could say that keep on giving as we meditate on them throughout the Advent season. Jesus is…

1. Wonderful. Not only did Jesus cause the people to wonder when He taught and performed miracles, Jesus is extraordinary and marvelous as there is none like Him.
2. Counselor. Jesus not only advises us, He is our advocate and remains our consultant.
3. Mighty God. Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. If you have seen Jesus you have seen God for Jesus and the Father are one!
4. Everlasting Father. In the beginning was the Word and the word was God and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. All things were created by Him and for Him, including me and you!
5. Prince of PEACE. We can have peace with God because Jesus first advent which is the celebration of His life, His death, His burial, and His resurrection. Jesus is our peace and is coming again soon to establish His peace on earth once again!

Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving! What name of God meets your need best today? Do you need a miracle? He is wonderful! Did you need counsel today for a tough decision you need to make? Do you need the strength and security of your Heavenly Father knowing that He is in control? How about peace? Peace that surpasses understanding is ours in Christ. Enjoy this advent season considering all the benefits that are ours in Jesus Christ, God’s gift to us, the gift that really does keep on giving!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15

I LOVE YOU!




Michael Osthimer

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