Research shows that a person’s name can influence his or her sense of self. They can also provide a descriptive portrayal of who someone is, and that was no different during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. More than seven hundred names and titles for Jesus Christ can be found throughout Scripture, each giving a glimpse into who Jesus is.

This year, the Biola University (CCCA) is launching its , with the theme “And He Shall Be Called: An Advent Meditation on the Matchless Names of Jesus,” with each devotional examining biblical passages that include one of the many names of Jesus. The project welcomes subscribers to engage with daily written devotionals paired with art, poetry and music.

“The Advent project is a labor of love, knit together not just by the faculty and staff serving in the Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts, but also by writers spanning the breadth of Biola’s community, from faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and friends of the institution,” said Luke Aleckson, the executive director of the CCCA and Biola art professor.

The project has seen yearly growth, with over 60,000 people across the globe subscribing to the daily devotionals. The goal of the project is to help individuals quiet their hearts and enter into a routine of worship and anticipatory reflection during the meaningful but often hectic season of Advent.

“This cohesive and beautiful Advent Project is not only a reflection of Biola University’s 117-year commitment to God’s Word and the gospel message that permeates all we do, but it is also a gift for you, friends and strangers,” said Dr. Barry H. Corey, president of Biola. “I hope that you find these Biola University Advent Project entries to be perspective-giving during this season of Christmas, a time of year so often crowded with events and overwhelmed by to-do lists. My prayer — our prayer — is that you choose to decelerate for a few minutes each day by engaging your senses and self to grasp things so profound.”

The project begins on the first day of Advent, November 30, 2025, and ends on the day of Epiphany, January 7, 2026. The project can be found on and also in reading plans on the .

“We are excited to be partnering with YouVersion’s Bible app to bring these voices to an ever-expanding global community of believers,” said Aleckson. “We encourage people to follow along not just as individuals, but in families, small groups and churches as well.”

For more information or media interviews, contact Sarah Dougher at media.relations@biola.edu or (310) 753-1193.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.