When God Chooses a Name

When a new little one is conceived we begin to think about or perhaps even decide upon a name. Even before Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, an angel gave Mary his name. “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Luke 1:31).

Names are important. Biblical names have meaning: Jesus, savior or God saves. Just think of it, every time Mary spoke her son’s name, she was saying God saves. Every time the disciples spoke his name they were reminded of who he was. When we speak the precious name of Jesus we remember who he is and what he has done, from the cradle to the cross.

There are many titles or names by which Jesus is referred. Here are a few we often hear around Christmas time: Prince of Peace, Son of God, Son of man, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6), and… Immanuel, God with us. These names were chosen about 700 years before the angel spoke with Mary. Amazing. Amazing grace.

God with us. Jesus saves.

God’s desire is to be known and for us to know He is with us.

Jesus, Mary’s savior and ours.

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’–which means, ‘God with us'(Matthew 1:22-23).

Challenge yourself and your children this Christmas season to speak the name of Jesus and remember what his name means to us and to the world.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

  For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

When God chooses a name, it is intentional and full of meaning. He doesn’t want us to miss who Jesus is. Celebrate Jesus in the cradle. Worship him because of the cross.

Christmas blessings,

Lori