Meditations for a Meaningful Christmas

By Bishop Jonathan S. Ferriol

December 24  |  The Name

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

When God sent His only begotten Son to our world, the Anointed One of God, had to be given a name. But not just an ordinary name, but the kind that must faithfully express the true character of the Christ and His true mission as well. Hence, the name, Jesus!

The Greek name “Jesus” is actually the transliteration of the Hebrew name, “Joshua” which means, “Yahweh saves.” It is the perfect name for the Savior.

Jesus is the “Immanuel.” The one who brought the very power and presence of God with men.

Jesus is the child whom the Prophet Isaiah prophesied and said will be called the “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Eternal Father” and the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus is the “Son of David” – the One whom the Prophet Isaiah also prophesied who will “reign on the throne of David and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness for ever and ever.” (Isaiah 9:7).

The name Jesus was also the one which the angels sung and glorified God about, when these heavenly heralds announced to the shepherds His birth! And in turn, it was the name that the shepherds told everyone in Bethlehem and many came to believe and follow.

It was the name that when the Magi heard for the first time, they bowed their knees and offered their treasures as an act of their worship!

Jesus is the name whom the broken, the sick and the weak called out from the streets of Jerusalem and as a result, they were made whole miraculously for the glory of God!

And Jesus is the only name given under heaven in which everyone can be saved! It is the name that if anyone would call in faith, will never be put to shame. It is for this name why the Scriptures were written in the first place so that we may believe, “that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God” and find life eternal (John 20:31)

Today, Jesus is the name that we have no reason to be ashamed of; whether we preach it or we suffer for it. It is the name that we must glorify in worship, both privately and corporately. It is the name that we ought not to get tired confessing in adoration and praises. It is the name that is worthy of our every sacrifice and labor. And Jesus is the Name that is “above every name which soon every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is indeed the Lord, to the glory of God the Father!” (Philippians 2:10-11)