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The Names Of Jesus At Christmas
Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Dec 12, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: The names of Jesus also challenge us to live in response to His identity. If He is Emmanuel, then we are never alone, and we are called to bring His presence into the lives of others.
The Names of Jesus at Christmas
Names carry significance, and in the Bible, they often reveal something profound about a person’s character, mission, or identity. This is especially true of the names of Jesus, which reflect His divine purpose and the hope He brings to the world. At Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promises through the birth of Jesus, whose names—Emmanuel, Savior, Prince of Peace, and many more—encapsulate the essence of His role in God’s redemptive plan.
One of the most cherished names of Jesus at Christmas is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” In Matthew 1:23, the angel tells Joseph, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel.” This name underscores the miraculous truth that God Himself came to dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. Emmanuel speaks of God’s desire for relationship with humanity. He did not remain distant or detached from our struggles but entered into our world, sharing in our joys and sorrows. At Christmas, we are reminded that in Jesus, God is not only for us but with us—walking beside us in every moment of life.
Another powerful name of Jesus is Savior. In Luke 2:11, the angel announces to the shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The title “Savior” points to Jesus’ mission to rescue humanity from sin and its consequences. From the very beginning, His purpose was clear: to bring salvation to a broken world. This name is a reminder of the depth of God’s love and the lengths He went to redeem us. Christmas is a time to celebrate that through Jesus, we have been given the greatest gift of all—the gift of eternal life.
Jesus is also called the Prince of Peace, a title prophesied by Isaiah long before His birth: “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). The Prince of Peace brings reconciliation between God and humanity, offering peace that surpasses understanding. In a world often marked by conflict and turmoil, Jesus’ peace is both a present reality and a future promise. His peace transforms our hearts, allowing us to live with hope and assurance even in challenging circumstances.
The name Jesus itself holds profound meaning. Derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, it means “The Lord saves.” This name was given to Mary and Joseph by divine instruction, emphasizing Jesus’ mission to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). It’s a name that encapsulates both His identity and His purpose. Every time we say the name of Jesus, we proclaim the truth of God’s saving power and His faithfulness to His promises.
In addition to these well-known names, Jesus is referred to by many other titles that highlight different aspects of His character and mission. He is the Lamb of God, signifying His sacrifice for our sins. He is the Light of the World, illuminating the path to truth and life. He is the Good Shepherd, who cares for and protects His flock. Each name reveals a facet of who Jesus is and invites us to deepen our relationship with Him.
Christmas is a time to reflect on these names and their significance. They remind us that Jesus is not just a historical figure or a distant deity; He is our Emmanuel, our Savior, and our Prince of Peace. His names invite us to experience the fullness of His love, grace, and power in our lives. They call us to worship Him not only for what He has done but for who He is.
The names of Jesus also challenge us to live in response to His identity. If He is Emmanuel, then we are never alone, and we are called to bring His presence into the lives of others. If He is Savior, then we are recipients of His grace, and we are called to share the good news of salvation with the world. If He is the Prince of Peace, then we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting His peace in our relationships and communities.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us take time to meditate on the names of Jesus. Each name is a gift, revealing the depth of God’s love and the richness of His plan for humanity. Let us allow these names to draw us closer to Him and inspire us to live lives that honor His name.
In closing, may we echo the words of the angelic host who proclaimed at Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14). This Christmas, may the names of Jesus fill our hearts with joy, our minds with wonder, and our lives with purpose. Amen.
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Pastor Joseph Ondu
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