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Reflections

 

What Did They Name the Baby?

Part 1

When a new arrival is announced, the first question asked is usually, “What did they name the baby?” A name immediately gives identity to the newborn. Interestingly enough, when God sent His Son that first Christmas so long ago, the naming of the Child played a prominent part in the story. The names tell much about who He is and why He came. Our December series considers the various names given the infant Son.

Angels Call Him “Jesus;” Elizabeth Calls Him “Lord”

The first announcement of the Child’s coming was made by an angel who appeared suddenly to Mary. We know very little about what was going on before the angel appeared on an ordinary day, in a very common place, to an unknown teenage girl. Understandably, the greeting of the angel frightened Mary, but he put her fears to rest:
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus (Luke 1:30,31, NIV).

The name Jesus is the first thing we know about this unusual child who is to be born. How appropriate, for this name Jesus, meaning Jehovah saves, explains the purpose of His coming. At a later appearance to Joseph, the angel repeated the name and explained:
…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21, NIV).

Of all the Child’s names, this one is the most significant. Paul tells us that this name is above every name:

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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 (Philippians 2:9–11,NIV).
The angel’s announcement includes answers to our questions as to how this Child could be a savior. He is not an ordinary child, but the divine Son of God:

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32, NIV).

Had the Child been a natural, human son, He would have been just like all the rest of sinful humanity. But this Child is different; He is the divine Son of the Most High God, which puts Him in a position to bring salvation to all humanity.

In the passage we noted in Philippians, Paul refers to the time when every person will call this Child “Lord.” In the Christmas story Elizabeth, cousin of Mary, leads in this universal declaration. How Elizabeth knew of the angel’s announcement to Mary, we do not know. But when Mary arrived in Elizabeth’s home shortly afterward, Elizabeth greeted her heartily:

In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Luke 1:42,43, NIV).

At Christmastime we see many portrayals of a babe in a manger, surrounded by adoring parents, shepherds and angels. Stars and music add to the drama of the scene. Wise men come along later, adding the richness of wealth and education.

But no matter what extras are brought into the picture, the focus is still the Child. We are drawn not because of the magnetism of all infants, but by the magnitude of this Child’s coming. He has come to be our Savior, we respond by calling Him Lord.

Points to Ponder:

In a multicultural world that leans toward “religious tolerance,” Christians are sometimes asked to downplay the name Jesus. The word God is a universal term that can mean what people want it to mean, but Jesus defines a certain Man and body of beliefs.

However, at Christmas as we once again rehearse the incidents surrounding His birth, we see the importance of this name. As Jesus, He is our Savior. When we meditate on what He has done for us, we cannot help but call Him Lord.

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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