21 Gifts of AdventExemplo

The Gift of Names 

I remember the day I decided what to name my first child. I had the perfect name for her. And then one of my friends “stole” the name I was going to use. Of course my friend had no idea, but because of that reason, I changed my mind.

I wanted to give my firstborn a unique name, a name that was befitting of her. Even though I hadn’t met her yet, a special bond had formed. After much deliberation, I decided to name her Lindsay. And I even spelled her name differently than most; the “ay” threw everyone off. She could never find anything personalized at the store. And throughout her school years, the teachers always spelled it wrong.  One time her name was misspelled in a band concert program. We joke about it now, but on that one night’s performance she was known as “Lomsday.” 

I guess I am to blame for giving her a “different” name. I didn’t realize then how names could hold such a special meaning. In fact, parents in many foreign countries are quite intentional in naming their children, using words with special meanings. Most are vernacular but pertinent to a current familial situation or a characteristic of the child they bear.

Becoming curious about my own name, I googled “Janelle” five times before I could accept its meaning: “God is Gracious.” Wow...what an awesome purpose attached to my name.

Jesus came to earth prenamed, with a special assignment attached to it. Gabriel’s birth announcement came complete with His name provided to Joseph and Mary. The pressure was off this young newlywed couple. God planned for Jesus’ high appointment, so don’t think it was to give the parents one less thing to do on their nursery list.

The name of Jesus carries the weight of His purpose. In Luke 1:11-12, the angel tells Mary, “You will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Isaiah 9:6 names the child to be born “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” These are some big names! Another name for Jesus Christ is Savior “because He will save the people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21). But my very favorite name for Jesus, the Messianic King, is found in Isaiah 7:14. Scripture refers to the Christ child as “Immanuel,” meaning God with us. 

Advent reflection: What a comfort to know we have a God who knows our name AND there’s no mistaking His. His many names are the gifts for us to know Him!