by Victoria Heinecke

The name that is above every name.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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 New International Version

There is a lot of anticipation surrounding the birth of a baby. Until recently, the baby’s gender was generally unknown until its birth. Nowadays, the gender is often known, but its name is sometimes kept a secret until its birth.

Choosing a name for a baby can be challenging as well as exciting. A child’s name becomes part of their identity. The child’s parents may choose a name with a special meaning, or the child may be named in honor of a loved one. The child may also acquire a nickname; sometimes it’s a shortened version of their given name, or it describes another attribute.

A baby’s name can also be chosen for them by someone other than their parents.

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
Luke 2:31 New International Version

Angels visited Mary and Joseph, on separate occasions, to announce the Messiah’s birth. He would be Jesus, the salvation of God. He would be called Immanuel, God is with us. The baby in the manger would become the savior of the world.

Mary treasured the memories surrounding her son’s birth and kept them in her heart (Luke 2:19). She must have shared many memories with others of Jesus’ life and ministry while he walked among us.

What names of Jesus do we ponder? He walks with us as the Good Shepherd and our Wonderful Counselor. His presence gives us a sense of peace which cannot be explained during good times and trials. His death and resurrection conquer the power of sin and bring us to eternal relationship with God. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado