December 21, 2025
Before their baby is born, parents think very carefully about a name. They want to choose the perfect name for their new son or daughter. They might name the child after one of the grandparents or an aunt or uncle. Sometimes friends and family suggest names for the child. The parents may even use a book or a list of names that provides their meanings.
In Bible times, parents chose a name for a baby just as carefully as people do today. They might select a family name or a name that reflects their hopes for the child’s future, perhaps a name meaning “strong” or “helpful.”
When Jesus, our Saviour, was born, Mary and Joseph didn’t have to decide on a name or use a baby name book. God sent angels to Mary and Joseph to tell them what to name the baby born in Bethlehem. It would be the perfect name for the Saviour! It was the name God chose for His Son. God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary to name her baby Jesus. Then God sent another angel to Joseph, also instructing him to call Mary’s Son Jesus. That angel even explained the reason for the name, saying, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
That special name is perfect for the Saviour because the name “Jesus” means “God saves.” It’s a good name for God’s Son because He came to earth to save us from our sins. The Bible says that the name of Jesus is “the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). That’s because Jesus died on the cross and rose to life for us. We love Jesus’ wonderful name.
God knows your names as well. When we are baptised, God makes us His children. He knows your name and has put His name on you: the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are people who love Jesus, and we are called “Christians,” a name that means followers of Jesus Christ. We can tell others about the wonderful name of Jesus, the Saviour who came to save them from their sins!
Jesus, we love Your wonderful name, the name that means You saved us. Help us to tell others about Your name and how it means You love them! Amen.