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!