What’s in a Name?

The meaning of one’s name had much importance during Biblical times. Old Testament and New Testament people were named for the events surrounding their birth or expectations from their birth. Isaac’s name meant laughter-not only for Sarah’s laughter when God said His promise would be fulfilled in her old age-but also from the joy she felt when she gave birth to her long awaited son.

Naming was important right from the time of creation. Genesis tells us, “ God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. There was evening and there was morning-the first day.” Gen. 1:5. God called the first man, Adam. Adam in turned named all the animals and even his wife-Eve.

God’s own Son was given a special name based on His expectation. The angel tells Joseph, “ You shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21 Martin Luther was given the name Martin when he was baptized the day after his birth on the Feast of St. Martin of Tours.

Names give ownership. We know that by giving someone or something a name, a person lays claim to it. We name our pets. We may even name our car, van, or truck. Watch little children, they will name their dolls, teddy bears, other stuffed animals or toys. Names say, “You are mine. I claim you!”

We have one name in common that means more than any name our parents or anyone else could give us - Christian. When we take the name of Christian, we become part of the family that will live eternally with God. It is the name God has called us from our baptism. He has known us from before time began. We are blessed to know that each of us is a gift of God and is known by Him.

Each day thank God for having called you by name and made you a part of His family. Pray for each child in your family by name. Thank God that each of them is also part of God’s family and has unique characteristics and talents different from any other child in yur family. Ask God to watch over them and continue to guide their lives that one day they and all of God’s people whose names are written in the Book of Life may live forever with Him in heaven.