Preparing Him Room: Meeting Jesus by Name This Advent

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Every December, I notice how quickly the season fills up. The calendar fills with gatherings, the kitchen with baking, and the to-do list grows longer than the days. Some years I've reached Christmas Eve and realized I spent weeks getting ready for Christmas, and very little time getting ready for Christ.

Maybe you know that feeling too.

This year, I'd love to invite you to slow down with me and spend Advent getting to know Jesus by His names.

What's in a name?

In Scripture, a name is never just a label. Before Jesus was born, the angel told Joseph what He would be called: Immanuel, which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). That one name holds the whole heart of Christmas. The God who set the stars in place didn't stay far away. He came near.

That is why I wrote Knowing Jesus By His Names. As I say in the study, "The names and titles of Jesus in this study are not mere labels, but significant markers in God's overarching story of Creation, the fall, and redemption." Each name is like a window. Look through it, and you see a little more of who He is and what He has done for you.

Beginning where Christmas begins

The first week of the study is called "Foretold," and it fits Advent beautifully. In four lessons, you'll explore the names the prophets promised long before Bethlehem:

Immanuel, God with us
Messiah, the Anointed One Israel waited for
King, the One the Magi traveled so far to worship
Son of God, the eternal Son who took on flesh

For each name, you'll discover what it meant in the original language, read the key verses, and reflect on what it means for your life today. From there, the study moves through names like Shepherd, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Friend, and Redeemer, and ends with King of Kings and Lord of Glory. Twenty-eight names in all.

Two ways to walk through Advent

On your own, at your own pace. There are 28 names in all, and you can walk through them however fits your December. Take a few each week, or linger over the ones that speak to your heart. However you go, it's a lovely way to arrive at the manger.

With a few friends. The study is laid out in seven weeks, with four lessons a week. A group that starts in early November will finish just before Christmas. Or begin the week of November 29, the first Sunday of Advent, and carry the study into the new year. A kitchen table and a carafe of coffee are all you need.

Free video lessons

The study comes with video lessons to go with your reading. They're free. Just email me at nancygemaehlich.author@gmail.com and I'll send you the access code. I love getting to know the women who use my studies, so tell me a little about yourself, too. If you'd like a taste first, you're welcome to watch the video for Lesson 1, Immanuel: https://youtu.be/G-JKu7XAAj4.

A gift to give, or to keep

Knowing Jesus By His Names is printed in full color, with creative design by Chrissy Gonzalez, Artist. It makes a sweet gift for a friend, a daughter or granddaughter, or the women in your group. And maybe one for yourself.

You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY97FHDF