We begin the New Year in 2023 with a reflection on the name of Jesus. It’s name day in our celebration of Christmas.
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” Luke 1:21
When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her that the child to be formed by the Holy Spirit within her womb would be called “Jesus.” The name “Yeshua,” like Joshua in the Old Testament, means “Yahweh saves.” The name given to this body formed in mystery is the revelation of God’s salvation to us. Indeed, the apostles would speak of Jesus the Messiah, saying, “Salvation is found in no one else. There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
On his name day, a new day of creation, Jesus enters into the covenant of Israel through circumcision. He not only becomes a participant in God’s promises to Abraham and Israel, Jesus also now embodies this promise. He would later say of his blood when sharing the cup with his disciples, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:27-28
The early church honoured the name of Jesus in the hymn written by the Apostle Paul in the Letter to the Philippians. … Christ Jesus
Who being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a
servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a
man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore, God exalted him to the
highest place
and gave him the name that is above
every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under
the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow. At the name of Jesus — On this first day of the year and for every day of this year, may the name of Jesus be on your tongue. May we live yielded and surrendered to Jesus our Lord. May we speak the name of Jesus over all who need healing, comfort, and grace. May we lift up the name of Jesus in conversation with all those who seek truth. May we praise the name of Jesus with all his people.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.