It’s all about a name
As we approach the end of the Advent season and Christmas nearing, it is interesting that it is all about a name. In Matthew 1.21, the Spirit writes—and she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS. Why? For he shall save his people from their sins. That says it all, but there is more.
The prophecy through Isaiah is really about preparing our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ coming at Christmas. The word Advent in Latin means ‘coming or arrival’. Israel was being promised a Messiah and it would be 800 years before this was fulfilled. The Spirit through Isaiah (9.6,7) states ‘and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’.
Jesus
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ name. ‘Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’. (2.9-11)
Jesus even spoke of the powerful nature of his name. ‘Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.’ (John 14.13) This is extremely important in our prayer life and in our worship. We pray to the Father, in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Jesus.
David, our psalmist, is giving us advance notice thousands of years ago that we, those in Christ, the righteous, shall give thanks to Jesus’ name. Christmas is all about a name, Jesus, Emanuel, God with us!! Go and worship his Name!
