Read Psalm 8. TEXT: 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 (Luke 2:21).
In the Bible, names are important. They do far more than merely identify a person; they reveal the very essence of the people who bear them. We saw in the case of John the Baptist how the naming of the child was particularly significant. It was the occasion God chose to remove his father Zechariah's inability to speak because of his disbelief at the angel's announcement in the temple (see Luke 1:20-24, 57-64).
And on this eighth day when the Child is circumcised, Joseph officially names Him "Jesus." God had carefully chosen the Name His Son would carry through His life, death, resurrection, and all eternity. He revealed it to Mary through the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:31), and to Joseph by an angel in a dream (Matthew 1:21).
God the Father chose the Name "Jesus," which means "The Lord saves." This name forever identifies the Christmas Child with the purpose for His coming to earth, His becoming a human and being born in Bethlehem. He has come to save His people from their sins, from Satan, from death and hell.
When we feel the pressure of life building, when we feel helpless and hopeless, Jesus is there as our Savior, rescuing us from all our enemies, reviving our flagging spirits, making our knees strong and our hands powerful again.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You have been given the Name above all names. As I meditate upon the meaning of Your Name, give me confidence to call on You always, and to make Your Name known everywhere I go. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Malachi 3-4 Revelation 22
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