As we celebrate Christmas, let us go deeper to the profound meanings of the names given to our Savior – Jesus, Emmanuel, and the Word. These names are not mere labels; they carry deep significance, revealing the nature and purpose of the One who was born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago.
Firsr, Jesus: The Name of Salvation
The name “Jesus” holds a unique and powerful meaning—it is the name above all names. In Matthew 1:21, the angel revealed the significance of this name to Joseph: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus, derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, means “Yahweh is salvation.” This name encapsulates the very mission of our Savior—to bring salvation and reconciliation between God and humanity.
As we contemplate the name “Jesus,” let us recognize the salvation offered to us through His sacrificial love. The cross, where Jesus bore our sins, stands as a testament to the depth of His love. This Christmas season, let the name “Jesus” resound in our hearts, reminding us of the redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life found in Him.
Second, Emmanuel: God with Us
In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah with the name “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” This name embodies the extraordinary truth that God chose to dwell among His people, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. The fulfillment of this prophecy is celebrated in Matthew 1:23, where it is declared that the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel.
The name “Emmanuel” speaks to the intimacy of God’s presence in our lives. It is a constant reminder that, in every circumstance, God is with us—comforting, guiding, and sustaining us. As we navigate the challenges of life, may the name “Emmanuel” instill in us a profound sense of hope and assurance, knowing that we are never alone.
Third, The Word (Logos): A Divine Revelation
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is referred to as the Word (Logos) who was with God and was God, and through whom all things were made (John 1:1-14). The concept of Jesus as the Word goes beyond a mere title—it represents the divine communication and self-expression of God. In Jesus, the Word made flesh, God’s message of love, redemption, and reconciliation is made known to humanity.
As we reflect on Jesus as the Word, let us marvel at the divine revelation that came into the world. Through Jesus, God communicates His love and purpose for us. The Word became flesh, dwelling among us, to bring light into the darkness of our lives. This Christmas, let us embrace Jesus as the living Word, the embodiment of God’s eternal message to humanity.
May the name of Jesus be our salvation, the reality of Emmanuel be our constant source of strength and assurance, and the living Word guide us on our journey of faith. Amen.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications