“ . . . and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (KJV)
Can you imagine what Joseph must have thought as he meditated on the angel’s message? He certainly would have known the meaning of the name. The name was a historical one extending back to Joshua who saved Israel from the Canaanites. Scholars have estimated that during the first century there may have been as many as twenty thousand Jewish men whose name was Jesus. But note that the angel did not tell Joseph that this child would be a savior. Instead he said, “He shall save his people from their sins.” He’s the Savior!
The songwriter said, “Jesus, what a beautiful name.” What makes his name so beautiful? He’s the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world! His sacrifice on Calvary makes it beautiful. Salvation makes it beautiful. Joy and peace makes it beautiful. The grace that destroys all fear makes it beautiful. Yes, it is a beautiful name!
Dear Father, thank you for your gift of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Empower us with faith and loyalty that we might give him glory all the days of our lives. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his Son and live to his glory,