“For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that it’s waves roar–the Lord of hosts is his name.”–Isaiah 51:15

Wonderful counselor.
Mighty God.
Prince of Peace.
Lord of hosts.
Emmanuel.

A name holds a lot of weight, doesn’t it? Have you ever asked why you were given the name you were given? And/or do you know what your name means? My name Tara means “rocky pinnacle.” I was named after a soap opera character from Days of our Lives. There was a couple on Days of our Lives named Tara and Chance so I was named after her.

Sometimes I wonder how much thought is truly put into naming a child. There are some unusual names in our world today. But Jesus, the Lord of hosts, has a name that is above all names. Emmanuel=God with us! Throughout the season of Advent, we wait for this precious holy child to be born into our world.

This precious boy who is an immigrant in his own right. This precious boy who comes to flip the world upside down. This infant son who comes to rouse a deaf world and bring light into darkness. This infant Son who breaks the silence of that holy night with his own cries.

This Son who heals a blind man,sits with tax collectors and sinners, calms the storm and so much more. This holy one who calls us to “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.” This Son who promises to never leave us or forsake us and continually brings hope into a weary world. This son who stirs up the world and brings us hope and peace.

“And a weary world rejoices.” Rejoices at the birth of this little one who is born in a manger in Bethlehem and is crucified on a tree on Calvary. It took his life, death, crucifixion and ultimately resurrection to arouse a deaf hurting broken world.

“And a weary world rejoices!”