Day 3 - What's in a name?

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"6 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

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I wonder how many parents have spent a long time trying to decide their child's name? I would hazard a guess that a fair few hours have been spent deliberating names. Why? It's only a name, you may hear. But it means a lot to you, your child, and in the past was seen as a symbol of the family, and the person they would become. That is why people, like Paul, changed their names in the Bible, to better show who they are.

Side note: Funny story - My Mum and Dad were going to call me Obadiah. I know!

It's only a running family joke but nevertheless it gets said time and again. Much to my amusement - I could have been known as Obi. Which as a Star Wars fan would have been quite cool however there is a line! Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. It also features possibly the most harshest iteration of God's power and destructive capabilities. I really don't know what my family are saying about me!

Anyway, what's in a name? If I was called Obadiah, just for example, I might be more known for authoritative action, where as I am called Joshua which means the Lord is my Salvation. My brother is called Samuel meaning asked of God both of us having hugely symbolic names but both which are gaining meaning throughout the lives we lead. So when the prophecy of Jesus' name was told, it was very important. Then years later, Angel Gabriel told Mary and Joseph the same thing, there was no doubt in their eyes that Jesus was the Messiah, the One from God. What an awesome realisation to have!

What a beautiful name. Each name by itself would have been mighty, yet Jesus is called all of them. Does that not show the magnitude of who He was to become? Jesus is on His way. The One who saves, is on His way. The Wonderful Counsellor is on His way. The Mighty God is on His way. The Everlasting Father is on His way. The Prince of Peace is on His way.

Hallelujah!

Reflect today: Are you ready? Are you excited? I know I am. My Saviour is on His way! If you are not ready, what is holding you back? What can you do today about that?

Dear Lord,

Thank you. What more can I say? We are not worthy, yet you sent your Son, you call us, you redeem us. Thank you. Please help me this Christmas time to remember the great responsibility it is living up to the Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Help me to live out my life as I strive to be more like you everyday, trying harder, yearning more with every breath I take.

Amen