It's all in the Name

As it gets closer to Christmas and we start talking more and more about the birth of our Precious Saviour, the concept of the meaning of names takes on a new thought for me. When we began to discuss names for our children the meaning of the name was so important to us. Edgar and I discovered that some of the names we really liked had really odd origins and meanings. For instance, we really wanted to name Gabrielle, Sydney. That was until we realized the meaning of the name was "a wide well watered land." Now, if you are reading this and your kid's name is Sydney, know I think it is a lovely name. As we researched further the name Gabrielle jumped out at us. It means, "the strength of God". So, Gabrielle it was.

After rereading Isaiah 9 and Luke 2 again, a crazy thought occured to me. What if Mary and Joseph had been obedient all the way up to naming the baby? Isaiah said he would be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The name of Jesus covers all that!!! Can you even imagine if Mary and Joseph had decided against the naming the baby Jesus and instead named Him, something like Mortimer? Could the government rest on the shoulders of a man named Mortimer? Mortimer means dead sea. (don't be offended if that is a family name for you, just contemplate the thought) But the complete obedience of a mother and father lead us to the sweetest name of all names - Jesus. I love His name and all that it means to me. He is my friend, my Father, my Healer, my Portion, my Banner, my Love, my Joy, my Provider, my Rest, my Fortress in times of trouble. Jesus - it really is ALL in His Name!