Stephen De La Vega

  Jesus. It’s a name that represents different things to different people. The name is spoken softly and also exclaimed. It’s used to call upon and it’s used to curse.   What does the name Jesus mean to you? Come with me as we consider who this Jesus is as explained in God’s holy Word…   It’s a new year and we’re looking back on the Christmas season when we possibly hear the name Jesus the most. It’s when we imagine Jesus as a baby born in a manger  ( Luke 2:7 )  similar to the nativity scene pictured above. There was nothing notable about his parents, Joseph and Mary – nothing special about them in their society, anyway. But they were faithful to God and God chose them ( Matthew 1:18-25 , Luke 1:26-38 ). Jesus, on the other hand, was very special. He was formed by God inside the womb of a virgin ( Luke 1:26-38 ). He was the one who gave God’s people hope for hundreds, even thousands of years. He was prophesized to be their Messiah, their Deliverer, th...

Another Christmas has passed, but the celebration is not over. Do you remember this from last week? …The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid.  The Messiah was coming. The long-awaited Savior of the world would soon be with us. Isaiah’s prophecy would soon be fulfilled: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” Matthew 1:23 (NIV) Jesus was born and God was with us. A Savior came and died, And He’s alive today. His name was called Wonderful, And wonderful He remains. They called Him Prince of Peace, And peace He gives today and forever. He was with God and is God – the Mighty God – And He heralds His might today. He was called Counsellor, Still He gives us counsel today Through His gift – the Holy Spirit. He’s the Everlasting Father. Everlasting. He was named Emmanuel, “God with us,” And He is with us this day. (thoughts from Matthe...