Nougat 28

As a parish pastor, naming ceremonies (ie christening and infant baptisms) were an integral part of what I did. I’ve baptized and christened more babies than I’ve done burials (and in my mind those were very very frequent), to the extent that some 10+ years later I don’t remember all of them. But I can recall some of the names and the occasions, including an adult naming ceremony. Whatever form they took, the actual name was important to the parents, all of us gathered and even the child. What is the value in a name? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ***

“When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭59‬, ‭63‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Names are important. They define objects, help to identify persons and may even describe our aspirations for the future. What are some nicknames (ie pet-names) you had as a child? Is there a story behind the name? Did you like the name given, or was it intended to tease you? If you didn’t have one, perhaps you can remember someone else’s.

We also might have had the privilege of naming someone – our own children or godchild. Did you have that privilege? If not, are you one of those who have some names in store for that moment? How do you decide on the names you chose? Is it an inherited name like Zechariah or a special name like John (graced by God)? Did you research the meaning before making the choice? (I remember names becoming popular because of a celebrity, a movie character or a song).

Several biblical names were given to highlight a specific gift of the child, to thank God for the child or to speak prophetically about the child, family, or the nation’s future. However we find that God’s names are revelations of God’s character and in Exodus 3, God reveals God’s identity with YHWH (I AM that I AM), a description that Jesus used at least seven times in John’s gospel. The names of God help us to identify with God in different situations and strengthens our relationships in faith.

Having existed before time, we know that God had no naming ceremony (except for the burning bush). On the other hand, by becoming human Jesus qualified for a naming ceremony in the temple. That took place eight days after He was born. (You see, being born in the city of David had its merits eh). In that ceremony, His parents confirmed that He was Jesus, just as the angels indicated. Jesus (Y’shua) is a derivative of Joshua, meaning God (YHWH) saves.

Our Nougat indicates that Jesus had been given several other names prophetically. And those are not the exhaustive list. In Isaiah 7, He is described as God With Us (Emmanuel); and in Revelations 21 and 22, He is the First and the Last (Alpha and the Omega). The disciples and the crowds called Him Teacher (Rabbi). At His death, He was called King of the Jews.

However critical all these names are, the value of the name of Jesus is best discovered for ourselves. If we were to have a special ceremony for Jesus today, what would be your name for Him?

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May all we seek be found in Christ