January 1, 2015 --The naming of Jesus

January 1, 2015 Devotions

Luke 2:15-21

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Today we celebrate the naming of Jesus.  Names are important—no parent takes naming their child lightly.  There is thought and meaning behind the name chosen.  Sometimes it is a family name.  Sometimes it is the meaning behind the name.  And yes, sometimes, we just choose something we like.  In the Bible, the names often are representative of the character of the person.  Names are important so much so that sometimes names are changed, like Abram to Abraham-the father of many nations.

Eight hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah spoke of the Messiah’s birth:

"For unto us a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is. 9:6)

Matthew helps us with the background of how Jesus’ was named:

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:19-21)

The name Jesus means salvation, saved.  As we enter into the new year, 2015, we do so in the name of the One who came to us, Immanuel, God with us.  

Let us pray:  Lord God, you sent your son into the world as a tiny baby, telling us not to be afraid.  In a world full of fear, sent us into your world, saved and freed for your purpose, that together we will continue to transform the world with love.  Amen

Extra:  What does your name mean?  Julie means youthful spirit! 

Love God=Love self=Love others

Love Thy Neighbor

This is the theme that ten youth and three adults from Ascension (two of the youth are really members at other congregations in town, but they are definitely part of our group!) focused on these last two days.

Tonight as we debriefed the experiences we had, we also looked back on what we were anticipating coming here.  We worried about meeting new people--the youth were broken up into small groups and they didn't know anyone else..... now the one who was the most vocal shared they made two new friends in their small group.  We complained about getting up early, yet when we suggested congregational time early so they could go to bed early, they wanted to hang out with each other.  There was laughter, frustration, singing, games, small groups, time to learn how to survive the zombie apocalypse, talk about love of and from God, love of ourselves and love of our neighbors. 

When working with high school youth, you never really know what to expect, and in all honesty, neither do they.  I saw new sides of some of our youth--all normal, and yet surprising.  We had no real trouble, they were fun and and had fun.  It is interesting to see how what their peers say and do affects what they believe they want to do. Trying to keep the group together could be a challenge and admittedly, if I heard many more I don't knows, I think I would have screamed. 

I thank the people of Ascension for their support.  We have an opportunity to invest in our young people, to step up and give our youth the opportunity to continue their faith journey, to strengthen it.  There is anxiety around money and how we will pay for the gathering.  We have the money, we have the support---we just need to make it tangible.

As Bob and Chris walk the halls of the Radisson tonight between midnight and 2 a.m., I sit and reflect as our young people are in their rooms (hopefully getting ready for bed and sleeping!), I am reflecting upon another wonderful event with our kids.  These young people are created and God said it is good.  God is molding them and shaping them, not without a little attitude, swag, and annoyances for adults--but God is surely at work. 

Love God=Love self=Love others