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Based on the Scripture reading: |
2005 December 24 |
Finding JesusThis is a special Christmas for me because, as some of you know, six weeks ago my wife and I had our own brand new baby, and he's a real gift. He was even in the pageant this year, playing a baby. Unlike lots of people these days, my wife and I didn't know if we were going to have a boy or a girl beforehand, so we couldn't choose a name. We had to have both boys' and girls' names in mind to be ready. And one of the things that we did was read the Bible to look at names, because there are a lot of good ones there. In the Bible the names all mean something special, and they're all attached to someone special, which is nice. The truth is that some parts of the Bible have a surplus of names. For example we just read a scripture about Christmas, and in seven verses we heard ten names, which is pretty amazing. Listen to them: Augustus, Quirinius, Syria, Joseph, Nazareth, Galilee, Judea, David, Bethlehem, and Mary. It's a great list. But I noticed something about this list, too. I think that there is one name missing from this story. Do you know what name that is? (Jesus) Isn't that funny? This is the story about Jesus' birth, and his name
is never mentioned. Let me tell you something interesting about His name: something you might not know. In the days when He was born it was the custom for entire families and very, very often for entire communities to name each baby. People chose a name from their family or their area, the way they still do in some parts of the world today. But the Bible family didn't name Jesus. You know who did? It was an angel, named Gabriel, which means "man of God," and he did this on God's behalf. And do you know what the name Jesus means? It means "He saves." So this was a pretty good choice. But here's something else funny about our readings tonight. We're about to hear another big part of the Christmas story, twelve more verses of scripture, and not a one of them includes the name of Jesus, either. You'll hear Savior and Christ and Lord but not "Jesus." Not in twelve more verses. Some people say there are twelve days of Christmas, and I've noticed something about them, too. Sometimes it's possible to go through the whole time, Christmas Day, talking, reading, shopping, getting together with family and never hear the name of Jesus. Sometimes we get ready, set, and go and never stop to say His name, to thank Him, to pray to Him or celebrate Him. These days it's almost possible to go through this whole time without speaking His name, which is a shame because Jesus is the reason for the season. You don't have to count, but you could watch out and see how many times we say Jesus during the songs and prayers coming up in our service tonight. And you don't have to count, but you could watch out and make sure that someone mentions Jesus tomorrow and the day after and the day after, too, through all twelve days of Christmas and more. Whenever you hear His name, remember that He was named by an angel of God, and His name means "He saves." Which is God's Christmas present for all the world. Christmas present, past, and future. Don't you just love Jesus' name? Amen. Copyright © 200 5 Kenneth F. Baily. Used by permission.http://www.nhcc.net/sermons/Sermon20051224a.htm |
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