Matthew 1:21
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Thursday, December 11 - Week of Peace
What’s in a name? It is identity - that which we are referred to by family, friends, and neighbors. Identity is the word, or grouping of words, that lets people know who we are. However, the name suggested to Mary for her baby by the angel carried purpose more than identity.
Scholarly work reveals that Jesus was the Greek form of a common Hebrew name, Joshua. Joshua was derived from the Hebrew word ‘yasha’, which means “he saves.” Think about the moment in Matthew’s Gospel account when the disciples are on a boat with Jesus. A storm raged all around them, and fearing for their futures, they cried out to their Lord, “Save us!” When we put all this together and realize the beauty and complexity of Jesus’ name, we can appreciate the salvatory nature of the child Joseph and Mary would usher into the world.
The tapestry of knowledge and experiences that God weaves by the Holy Spirit is vast and complex. When we see the ways the threads cross and interweave to create beautiful pictures, we should find the Peace that God chose to weave into that very tapestry.
Prayer: God of salvation, you have accomplished your work through Jesus the Christ for our salvation. Thank you for the gift of grace and salvation by faith. Amen.
