January 1, 2017
New Year’s Day – The Name of Jesus

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”               Luke 2:15-21

“Luke has drawn us into a story of unique characters who stand out in their context. Some are not named, but each represent very real lives and circumstances, very real sorrows and hopes. Like the unnamed workers effected by the decision making of politicians, the shepherds represent a number of common folk, seemingly incidental to the decision making of Caesar, but paramount in the decision making on behalf of the one who will be called the Son of God. Only recently have we truly attended to their status in the first century — the workers, the rest of the world. These are the ones who occupy the guest room in Bethlehem to see if the angel’s message is true.
The angel has named Jesus as the one who accomplishes the glory of God. Jesus is of the house of David; he is Savior; he is Messiah; and he is Lord. Mary accepts this name and so this will be the message proclaimed for generations to follow. More than the sign of the promise of peace, God’s salvation is made available to all humankind. The heritage of Israel, the one who restores wholeness to all the world, the long-expected anointed one who demonstrates the present in-breaking of the reign of God.” (Joy J. Moore, “Many of my favorite songs are simple melodies that call out the name of Jesus”, January 1, 2012)

We put a lot of stock in a name. Names can influence the way we think about buying: Mercedes, Cadillac, Pontiac, Honda. Some people think a Yamaha is a piano, others think it is a motorcycle. Family names can open doors where otherwise they would remain shut, names like: Rockefeller, Trump, Kennedy, and Ford. These names carry a sense of importance, even if someone becomes famous for just being considered, well, famous, right Kardashians? The same is true for Biblical names, not the famous for being famous part, but names were important in the bible. Abram is renamed Abraham, Sarai is renamed Sarah. Jacob is renamed Israel, and Jesus is named, Jesus, Emmanuel, G-d with us. Mary and Joseph both receive visits from angels and are told to give their baby the name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

We put a lot of stock in a name, and this name, well, we should.

Pastor Dave