How did you receive your name? Did your parents ever tell you the story
behind how they chose your name? Mine is
pretty funny because I was almost named after a cow. In Mexico, we had a farm (with animals of
course) and when I was in my mother’s womb she and dad went over the routine
process of throwing out names hoping to agree on one to name the babe. Dad loved the name “Azusena” and put a
great fight to have me named thus, but mom wouldn’t hear of naming me after the
cow. My dad loved the named so much that
thinking he would no longer bear children (I came seven years after my brother)
he baptized the cow. Then, I came along
and though he put a great fight, mom wouldn’t hear of me bearing the same name
as the family cow (smile). Therefore,
they decided on Penny a name they both liked.
As I have studied scripture, I’ve noticed that God gives
great meaning to names- many times he even changes peoples’ names to better
suit who they are meant to be. Names are
important, so much so that the best compliment you can give another is to learn
his name. During retreat, when I was
served my meals one of the sisters would always say my name when she set my
plate down and this little gesture made me feel special- like I mattered. I wasn’t just some random woman on retreat, I
was Penny and she called me by name…
Lion of Judah
Prince of Princes
Son of David
But why am I writing about names this morning? Advent is almost here, a time of preparation
for the birth of Jesus in our hearts.
For Catholics this is a time of many great traditions like the manger
scene, the Advent wreathe and calendar, the tree of Jesse among many
others. Every year I like to try a new
way to experience the joy of the birth of my savior. I have become an avid religious ornament
collector and in my collecting I came across “The Royal Names of Jesus” ornament
series. The set comes in a little box
with an instruction booklet and seven ornaments each bearing a different title
for Jesus. During Advent for seven days
as you count down to Christmas you can hang on your tree a different ornament
with your family, and read why that name is special to our heavenly King. Though, Jesus was born in a manger and during
his life he had no jeweled crown, royal wardrobe or palace he walked the earth
with authority because he is the King and we are his royal subjects; thus,
learning his royal names is our duty and our privilege. This Advent is a great time to learn the
seven royal names and the story (meaning) behind and what better way than
with these beautiful ornaments which can be purchased online. Though I found mine in one of my thrifting
adventures (smile). They are quite
beautiful made of metal covered in glitter (my fav) so they are sturdy for
children and made to last. Am so looking
forward to getting started with my set!
King of Israel
Lord of Lords
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