The prophet Isaiah tells of the birth of a child born for us; a son given to us. Authority will rest on his shoulder, and he will have four names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These names resound in the magnificent chorus of Handel’s Messiah. Through the Sundays of Advent, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore each of these four names and how Jesus embodied them in his birth and life among us.

Dec. 3	And his name shall be...Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:1-7)
Dec. 10	And his name shall be...Mighty God (Psalm 96)
Dec. 17	And his name shall be...Everlasting Father (Revelation 21:1-8)
Dec. 24 (10 a.m.)	And his name shall be...Prince of Peace (Isaiah 11:1-9)
Dec. 24 (3 & 5 p.m.)	Children & Family Worship
Dec. 24 (7, 9 & 11 p.m.)	And his name shall be...Emmanuel (Matthew 1:18-25)

And his name shall be...Emmanuel, God With Us
​​Dec. 24, 2023 - Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka

Ending this Advent sermon series, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka reminded us of the importance of names, and in this particular sermon, he delved into Emmanuel—God With Us—and what it means that our God stops at nothing to be with us. Scripture readings were: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12. 

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And his name shall be...Everlasting Father
​​Dec. 17, 2023 - Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka

Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, God is named as “Father.” God is understood to be the parent of all peoples. Jesus, too, embodies the role of parent to his disciples, the women and men who followed him.  He talks sternly to them at times yet with compassion. He worries about them. He is hurt by them. He clearly loves them without condition. And while they did not understand it then, his love would endure beyond time and place. His love would be everlasting!  Our scripture reading is Revelation 21:1-8. 

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And his name shall be...Mighty God
​Dec. 10, 2023 - Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka

The early church struggled to understand Jesus’ relationship with God. He was the Son of God and yet, at the same time, Thomas names Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) In Jesus we know the mighty God. Time and again Jesus displays the power and strength of God. Jesus carries in him divine power and that power transforms and changes every person with whom he comes into relationship. Our scripture reading is Psalm 96.
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And his name shall be...Wonderful Counselor
​Dec. 3, 2023 - Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka

Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka begins his Advent Sermon Series, “For Unto Us a Child is Born.” As the prophet Isaiah sees the coming of the new king, he will be a “wonderful counselor.” The term “counselor” has more to do with how Jesus Christ leads and governs. He will govern with justice and righteousness. He will help the people live in safety and wholeness. In this way, his reign will be filled with wonder. Our scripture reading is Isaiah 9:1-7.
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