Names are significant. They have meaning. Whether your parents chose your name because of its meaning or not, your name means something. My middle name, Ian, means “God is gracious,” and that is my testimony. God has been so gracious throughout my life and is teaching me to be increasingly gracious all the time.

This message was originally shared as the first sermon in an Advent series called, “There’s Something About That Name.” Over the next four episodes, the messages will consider the qualities of Jesus reflected in the names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and, on Christmas Eve, Immanuel.