The Christmas season often feels like a blur of peppermint mochas, frantic gift-shopping, and endless to-do lists. In the midst of the “holiday hustle,” it is easy to lose sight of the Person at the center of it all.
Asheritah Ciuciu, in her transformative devotional Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional, invites us to slow down. This book isn’t just a reading plan; it’s a sacred invitation to behold the King. By focusing on the various names and titles of Christ, Ciuciu helps readers peel back the layers of tradition to encounter the living Savior.
In this comprehensive review and summary, we will explore every facet of this devotional, from the foundational “why” of Advent to the final Christmas Day celebration.
The Foundation: Opening Credits and Heartfelt Beginnings
Before diving into the daily readings, Ciuciu sets the stage with a warm and personal introduction.
Opening Credits & A Listener’s Note
The book opens with a sense of intentionality. Ciuciu acknowledges that we are all “listeners” in the grand story of God. The A Listener’s Note section serves as a gentle reminder that this journey is about hearing the voice of God through His Word. It’s an encouragement to the weary soul that this season doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be focused on Him.
The Dedication
Ciuciu dedicates this work to those seeking more of Jesus. It underscores her mission as an author: to lead people away from religious obligation and toward a vibrant, loving relationship with Jesus Christ.
Why Should We Celebrate Advent?
Many Christians wonder if Advent is “too liturgical” or “unnecessary.” Ciuciu addresses this head-on. She explains that Advent (from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”) is a season of preparation. Just as we prepare our homes for guests, Advent prepares our hearts for the arrival of the King. It creates a space for longing, expectation, and eventually, exuberant joy.
A Prayer for You and Me
To bridge the gap between the author and the reader, Ciuciu includes a beautiful prayer. It asks for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the scriptures and for the names of Jesus to move from being mere titles to becoming personal realities in our lives.
Week One: Hope
Theme: The Anticipation of the Coming Savior
The first week of Advent focuses on Hope. In a world that often feels dark and uncertain, Ciuciu reminds us that our hope is not a wishful thought, but a person.
Day One: Jesus
The journey begins with the most personal name: Jesus. Ciuciu explores the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “The Lord Saves.” This chapter establishes that His very name is a promise of deliverance.
Day Two: Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life
Drawing from the story of Lazarus, this day focuses on Jesus’ power over death. He doesn’t just give life; He is life. This name offers hope to anyone feeling spiritually dead or stagnant.
Day Three: Jesus is the King of Kings
Here, we see the majesty of Christ. While He came as a humble baby, He remains the sovereign ruler over all earthly powers. It’s a call to submit our own “kingdoms” to His.
Day Four: Jesus is the Light of the World
In the middle of the winter solstice, this chapter resonates deeply. Jesus enters the darkness of our sin and the world’s chaos, providing a light that never flickers or fades.
Day Five: Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah
Ciuciu explains the weight of the title Messiah—the Anointed One. This day ties the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment, proving that God is a promise-keeper.
Week One Activities: Hope in Action
At the end of the week, Ciuciu provides practical ways to live out hope. This might include lighting the first Advent candle or finding ways to share the hope of the Gospel with a neighbor in need.
Week Two: Preparation
Theme: Making Room for the King
The second week shifts the focus to Preparation. If Jesus is who He says He is, how should our lives change to accommodate Him?
Day One: Jesus is the Word of God
Based on John 1, this chapter explores Jesus as the “Logos”—the perfect communication of God to humanity. To know the Word is to know the Father.
Day Two: Jesus is the Truth
In an era of “my truth” and “your truth,” Ciuciu anchors the reader in the absolute Truth of Jesus. He is the standard by which all reality is measured.
Day Three: Jesus is the Lion of Judah
This name highlights Christ’s strength, royalty, and fierceness in protecting His people. It’s a powerful contrast to the “Lamb” we see later, showing the multifaceted nature of His character.
Day Four: Jesus is the Holy One of God
Holiness can be an intimidating concept, but Ciuciu explains it as Jesus being “set apart.” His purity is what allows Him to be the perfect mediator for us.
Day Five: Jesus is the Lord of Lords
This day reinforces the total authority of Jesus. Preparation involves surrendering our schedules, our finances, and our futures to the one who holds the title of Lord.
Week Two Activities: Preparation in Action
Activities for this week focus on “clearing the clutter”—both physically and spiritually. It encourages families to simplify their holiday commitments to focus on spiritual readiness.
Week Three: Joy
Theme: The Delight of Our Salvation
As we move closer to Christmas, the mood shifts to Joy. This isn’t a superficial happiness dependent on circumstances, but a deep-seated wellspring found in Christ.
Day One: Jesus is the Great High Priest
Ciuciu explains the beauty of having a Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. Because Jesus intercedes for us, we can approach God with confidence and joy.
Day Two: Jesus is the Alpha and Omega
Jesus is the beginning and the end. This chapter provides comfort by showing that nothing happens outside of His timeline. He has the final word on our lives.
Day Three: Jesus is the True Vine
Drawing from John 15, this day emphasizes the importance of “abiding.” Joy is the fruit that grows naturally when we stay connected to Jesus, the Vine.
Day Four: Jesus is the Prince of Peace
In the middle of holiday stress, Ciuciu points us to the Prince of Peace. He doesn’t just give peace; He settles our internal storms by His presence.
Day Five: Jesus is the Bread of Life
Just as bread sustains the body, Jesus sustains the soul. This chapter explores how Jesus satisfies our deepest hungers in a way that the world never can.
Week Three Activities: Joy in Action
This section suggests ways to spread joy, such as caroling, baking for others, or simply spending intentional time in worship and “holy play.”
Week Four: Love
Theme: The Extravagant Sacrifice of God
The final week leading up to Christmas Day is dedicated to Love—the motivation behind the Incarnation.
Day One: Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Ciuciu paints a tender picture of Jesus as the one who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. It is a profound look at His protective and sacrificial love.
Day Two: Jesus is Immanuel, God with Us
This is the heart of Christmas. God didn’t stay distant; He moved into the neighborhood. Ciuciu explores the radical humility of the Creator becoming a creature.
Day Three: Jesus is the Son of Man
While He is fully God, He is also fully man. This chapter highlights Jesus’ humanity, showing that He understands our pain, hunger, and fatigue.
Day Four: Jesus was a Man of Sorrows
This is a poignant chapter. It reminds us that the cradle was always headed for the cross. Jesus’ love is proven by His willingness to endure suffering on our behalf.
Day Five: Jesus is the Lamb of God
The week concludes with the sacrificial title of the Lamb. He is the perfect sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world, making our reconciliation with God possible.
Week Four Activities: Love in Action
Love is a verb. Ciuciu encourages readers to perform acts of service, give sacrificially, and express love to those who are often overlooked during the holidays.
The Climax: Your Celebration of Christmas Day
The devotional culminates in a special reading for Christmas Day. Rather than a long study, it is a celebratory reflection. It’s the “unwrapping” of the greatest gift of all. Ciuciu encourages families to read the Christmas story together and to take a moment of silence to simply “be” with Jesus.
Final Thoughts: Next Steps, Acknowledgements, and Connections
Next Steps
Ciuciu doesn’t want the transformation to end on December 26th. She provides “Next Steps” to help readers carry the habit of seeking Jesus into the New Year. This includes tips for consistent Bible study and prayer.
Acknowledgements & Connect with the Author
The book wraps up with credits to those who helped bring the vision to life. Ciuciu also provides ways to engage with her online community, offering further resources for “One Thing Alone”—her ministry focused on helping women find joy in Jesus.
End Credits
A formal conclusion to the literary work, marking the end of the 25-day journey.
The Core Message: What Asheritah Ciuciu Wants to Convey
The primary message of Unwrapping the Names of Jesus is that the beauty of Christmas is found in the character of Christ.
Ciuciu wants to move the reader from a “seasonal” faith to a “relational” faith. Through this book, she conveys three vital truths:
- Jesus is Sufficient: No matter what we are facing—grief, exhaustion, or loneliness—there is a name of Jesus that meets that specific need.
- Intentionality is Required: We will not drift into a meaningful Christmas. We must intentionally “unwrap” the truth of who He is through scripture and prayer.
- Worship is the Goal: The end result of knowing Jesus’ names isn’t just more knowledge; it’s a heart that overflows with worship.
Asheritah Ciuciu successfully strips away the commercialism of the season and replaces it with a vivid, multi-dimensional portrait of the Savior. Whether you are a long-time believer or someone curious about the “reason for the season,” this devotional serves as a roadmap to a heart-centered, Christ-exalting Advent.
FAQs
Q1. Is this book suitable for new believers?
Yes, it’s written in a warm, accessible style perfect for beginners.
Q2. Can this devotional be used in groups?
Absolutely. The reflections and activities work well for group discussions.
Q3. Do I need prior knowledge of Advent traditions?
Not at all. The book gently introduces Advent concepts.
Q4. Is it strictly for December use?
While designed for Advent, its insights are timeless.
Q5. What makes this devotional unique?
Its focus on the names of Jesus and its deeply relatable, grace-filled tone.