Scripture reading
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
–Isaiah 9:6
Thought of the Day
Do you have a good nickname? I like nicknames. I was reading a trivia book recently and read a list of nicknames of President Grover Cleveland. They were not ones that he chose, I think. Here they are: Big Beefhead, The Dumb Prophet, The Pretender, and His Accidency. Not great nicknames. I guess for some they described him. Other nicknames do describe people. There are a lot of Reds (guys who have red hair), even more Smittys (guys named Smith), and even some Slims out there. Slim is one of those nicknames that can go both ways. Slims can be slim or fat. We don’t all get to pick our nicknames. One time a youth in our group was anointed “Ringworm” because he made the mistake of telling others that he had acquired ringworm from his cat. Not a great nickname. I have always wanted to choose my nickname. I would love to be known as T-Bone. I don’t know why. It just sounds cool to me. I am not sure why this is true, but once you get to nickname status with someone, you feel like you know them better.
I sure wouldn’t call the other names that we refer to Jesus as nicknames, but He was known by so many other names. Our scripture for today lists some. I could list so many more like Teacher, Healer, The Lamb, Master, and Friend. Why don’t you make a list of names that you like for Jesus. It might help you get to know Him better.
Prayer
Lord, Thanks for knowing me no matter my name. Amen.