There’s power in a name. Most of us were named with intention. Maybe you carry the name of a beloved grandparent, a famous figure, or someone who shaped history. Names are powerful because they connect us to a legacy, to history, and to the stories of those who walked this earth before us.
History is full of the names of famous and outstanding people. They were like bright stars shining in the sky, illuminating their time, their achievements, and their influence. But as bright as those stars shone, over time, their light has faded. Their legacy, in many cases, left behind more shadows than light. Walk through a cemetery, and you’ll see it. Names of kings and laborers, rich and poor, etched in stone, equalized in the face of eternity.
But about two thousand years ago, in the small town of Bethlehem, in the stillness of a humble manger, a name was spoken—a name that carried the greatest promise humanity had ever known.
That name was Jesus.
The angel declared it to Mary, saying, “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus is translated as “Savior” or “the Lord saves.” This name wasn’t just a label. It was a declaration of hope. It was God saying, “I see you in your brokenness. I see you in your struggles. And I am coming to save you.”
Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Naming of our Lord Jesus Christ, let’s remember that this name isn’t just for history books. It’s for you and me. It’s a name that brings hope to the weary, strength to the weak, and peace to the anxious. When you speak the name of Jesus, you’re calling on the One who conquered death, the One who promised never to leave you, the One who came to save you.
So let His name be on your lips and in your heart. When life feels overwhelming, whisper His name and find comfort. When you’re celebrating life’s joys, shout His name in gratitude. And when you feel like you’ve lost your way, remember that His name is the light that guides you back.
Say from the depths of your heart, “Jesus. God saves.” That’s the name that makes all the difference.
