One of my favorite traditions as a kid was singing “O Come O Come Emmanuel” in the choir.

Let me paint a picture for you: The high school kids would sing this a cappella, holding a candle, walking into the auditorium. We would surround the audience and sing. It was beautiful and so precious, even if we sang this song two more times during the performance. It was a beautiful part of our winter concert. We also sang “Hallelujah” yearly and invited fellow alumni to join in. These moments were more than just performances; they were profound experiences of communal reflection and celebration of the Advent season. 

NAMES OF JESUS:

The names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—hold deep significance, especially during Christmas, when we celebrate His birth into our world. 

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR:

As Wonderful Counselor, Jesus guides us with wisdom that astonishes and transcends human understanding. Reflecting on my choir days, I realize how those moments of singing about Emmanuel’s coming weren’t just about beautiful melodies but were guided by the deeper wisdom of what those lyrics meant. How has Jesus been a counselor in your own life, guiding you through decisions and challenges with wisdom that feels divinely given? 

MIGHTY GOD:

As Mighty God, Jesus demonstrates power that can transform lives. The power in the words of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” resonates with the strength of Jesus’ nature, a reminder that our Mighty God was humbly born and laid in a manger yet destined to save the world. Where have you witnessed Jesus’ mighty power in your own life or in the lives of others? 

EVERLASTING FATHER:

As Everlasting Father, He offers us eternal compassion and a protective love that never ends. This enduring presence is like the tradition of singing “Hallelujah” with alumni, spanning across different generations, reminding us of the timeless nature of Jesus’ fatherly care. How have you experienced Jesus’ fatherly qualities through constant love and protection? 

PRINCE OF PEACE:

As Prince of Peace, Jesus brings peace that calms our chaos and transcends all earthly troubles. Just as the candlelight during our choir performance cast a gentle, peaceful glow over a darkened room, Jesus illuminates our lives with peace in the midst of darkness. When have you felt this profound peace in your own life? 

THE SPIRIT OF ADVENT:

As we reflect on these profound titles of Jesus, this Advent lets us draw nearer to understanding and experiencing Him in all the fullness that His coming offers us—not just during Christmas but throughout our lives.