Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!
December 14th! Day 14!
Today Sarah and I focused on a small portion of Luke 2. "And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb" (v. 21).
What's in a name? We all have a name, and we all have a meaning tied to our names. Ironically, Paul means "small," which is quite fitting for me. My wife's name, Sarah, means "princess." We all have a name with a specific meaning. Sometimes it fits us well and speaks about who we are; sometimes it doesn't. :-)
Jesus' name had a meaning too. And back then, names were far more important, and their meaning meant everything! Jesus means, "The Lord rescues (saves)." What a fitting name! When people heard that Jesus was born, or that Jesus was coming to their town, or Jesus was preaching, they all understood His name had an important connection to all these things. He was born to rescue, born to speak of rescuing, born with the purpose of rescuing. And this name fit Him so well.
He did come to be a Rescuer. The Rescuer of mankind! He came to die in our place, pay the penalty for our sins and give us the gift of eternal life. When Jesus came to earth everything changed! This was why His name was so important to get right. This is why the angel announced to Mary what His name would be! Did you know that right now, if you believe in Jesus as your Rescuer who came to rescue you from your sins, your name is known by God? He has your name written down in His book. So a name is super important! Jesus' name was, and so is yours.
"...rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20
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