The Name That Saves

One of life’s greatest gifts and delights is naming a newborn child as they enter this world and become part of our clan. As a father, I remember, prior to their births, pondering my babies’ names — names that would identify and recognize them all the days of their lives. Typically, for most parents, whether impulsive or intentional, choosing an appropriate name for their child usually involves traditional, ancestral, cultural, or spiritual significance. Remarkably, Scripture reveals a similar approach.

Throughout Scripture, people’s names have deep spiritual significance. While Jesus is known by many names in the Bible which assert and affirm His identify, character, title, and mission, in Matthew’s gospel, the angel reveals what name God the Father gives His Son, and the profound significance of this name. Yeshua, Jesus’ shortened form Hebrew name, means Yahweh’s salvation, thus personifying His Father’s name, nature, and mission.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us ponder the mercy, mystery, miracle, and majesty of our God who willingly and humbly clothed Himself in mortal human flesh to reconcile us to our Heavenly Father. Scripture reminds us there is no other name under heaven that saves us from our sin. At His name, may every knee bow and every tongue confess, to the glory of God the Father, Jesus (Yeshua) – the name of God’s Son – name above all names – the name that saves. (Philippians 2:8-10)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus, your only begotten Son, to save us from our sin. As I reflect on and celebrate the miracle of the incarnation, may your Holy Spirit increase my faith and empower me with boldness and resolve to know you more intimately, so I can genuinely reflect you and share you with those within my sphere of influence. Amen.

Go Deeper — Christmas is an opportunity to share God’s love. As you celebrate the season, contemplate the Name that saves. Ask the Lord to prepare your heart to share the mystery, miracle, and majesty of the incarnation and the profound significance of Jesus’ (Yeshua in Hebrew) name with people within your sphere of influence.

Read Further — You may want to print out this Christmas Acronym to share with others today.