A New Name

“You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.”

(Isaiah 62:4, ESV)

While for many Christmas is a season of close connection and enjoyment of others, for others it is a season of loneliness and isolation. We do not need to feel guilty for having loved ones that we enjoy being with, but it is important we are aware of and caring towards those who find the season harder to enjoy. Some of us are facing the first Christmas without a loved one, others are separated by distance from their loved ones, still others are reminded by past difficulties related to the season. Let us journey together through the season regardless of our past or present experiences.

Today’s reading in the MB Seminary Advent Devotional took us to Isaiah 62, reflecting on the “new name” / the new identity Father God is giving us. While we may feel “forsaken” or “desolate,” He is expressing His “delight” in us and our “belonging” to Him. Who is it we are feeling as these days, and how can we intentionally embrace the identity Father God is placing on us? Who is He seeing us / me as?

As we journey this Christmas season, let us meditate on who we are in Father’s eyes. His “delight” is in us; we are Christ’s “bride,” we have a place of belonging, love, and welcome.