12-25-2023

Good Morning All,

        Matthew 1:21; “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

    Shakespeare once wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” So, what is in a name? What is in your name? Does your name have a special significance? Were you named after a relative, or perhaps a famous person at the time of your birth? Does your name have a biblical reference or some unique quality about it? Many people do have these qualities. Some names have special meaning or significance, For example, Zoe means life in Greek. Or perhaps, your parents just like the sound of the name they gave you. So, what is in a name? Would it smell just as sweet?

    Our verse is part of Joseph’s dream when he was considering divorcing Mary when he found out she was going to have a baby. He knew he was not the father, so he was going to quietly divorce her and move on. But as an angel spoke to him in a dream, he was told a wonderful and mighty story. He was told of this child being the Son of God and that this child had special meaning and special purpose. “You will call his name Jesus.” This is actually the English version. In Hebrew, Jesus’ name is “Yeshua” (our Joshua) which literally means “God saves.” The name is the purpose. Jesus came to save us, to save His people from their sins. His name, his special name, is given to Him to identify him and his purpose. The whole point of the Christmas story is to point us to our Savior, to Jesus. He is the one who would go to the cross to take our place, to receive our punishment so that we might live eternally in his holy kingdom.

    The meaning of Christmas isn’t found in boxes or bows but is found in the unending love of our heavenly Father. The meaning of Christmas is new life for you and for me. It is to give us hope for a better tomorrow. It is to give you and to me a new and joyful purpose. Christmas is about God taking on the flesh and form of man in order to bring us back into His holy family. Jesus came, as God, to fulfil what we could not in order to save us from ourselves. Our sinfulness was overwhelming us, so God took on the form of a man to conquer and defeat what we could not. Salvation comes from Jesus and is given to you so that you may have life. Merry Christmas to all!! May the light of the love of the Savior guard you this day and every day!

Gracious Father, we give you thanks for the salvation that is ours through Jesus. As He comes to save us, renew our hearts so that we may walk in the newness of life. Give to us your Holy Spirit that we may look to you in all confidence and hope.  Be with those who suffer this time of year. Give them your hope and peace so that they also may know the love that you have poured out upon them. Keep all safe according to your will. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret