Musings from the Pastor’s Desk
Musings from the Pastor’s Desk
December 21, 2025
Advent 4
What’s In a Name?
I’ve always been fascinated by names, especially unusual, unique, and cultural ones. The sweetest sound a person can hear is their own name! I’ve asked many people about how they got their names, and often there is a story behind it. A name can reveal a lot about who they are and their family’s ethnicity and culture.
Names can be superficial or symbolic, but their true value lies in identity, purpose, or character. In Scripture, a name can carry deeper meaning. A name reveals identity, indicates vocation, or signifies destiny. Often, a name reflects God’s purpose. For example:
Abram = Abraham (“father of many nations”)
Jacob = Israel (“one who strives with God”)
Simon = Peter (“rock”)
Jesus = (“The Lord saves”)
Emmanuel = (“God with us”)
In a biblical context, a name is not just a label; it is a theological statement. In Scripture, a name can reveal a person’s true nature and what God is doing through them. Names convey meaning, mission, and promise. In Sunday’s Gospel from Matthew 1:18-25, at our Lord’s birth, He is given the name Jesus, meaning “God saves.” But later, Jesus is referred to as Emmanuel. Huh? What does this mean? Is it Jesus or Emmanuel? Let’s examine both and how they came about.
Jesus is the name given at birth. When the angel appears to Joseph in a dream, he instructs him: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus is the specific name given by divine command. The name Jesus means Yahweh saves. The name connects the child’s identity to his mission of saving God’s people: Jesus saves!
But why do we hear Jesus called Emmanuel? Emmanuel functions as a title or description rather than a personal name used in everyday life. Immediately after the angelic instruction about the name Jesus, Matthew 1:23 links the story to Isaiah’s prophecy: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us’.” This quote from Isaiah 7:14 anticipates the coming of the Messiah as God dwelling with his people, dwelling with us!
The name Emmanuel reveals the deeper truth of who Jesus is. It signifies that this child will be recognized and understood as the one who embodies “God with us.” The name points to Jesus’ identity, purpose, and presence. It conveys Jesus’ true identity and role, rather than being his everyday personal name.
But why does Matthew use both names? Matthew’s Gospel is deeply rooted in Jewish scriptural interpretation. He often shows how Jesus fulfills Old Testament promises and prophecies. By naming the child Jesus while quoting Isaiah’s Emmanuel prophecy, Matthew is conveying both truths simultaneously: This baby will bear the name Jesus because of what he will do—save his people from sin. This child truly fulfills Isaiah’s promise: the one in whom God is truly present with His people, God with us. This dual focus strengthens Matthew’s theological point: Jesus’ mission to save and His identity as God with us are both central to who He is.
Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 AM or watch live on Facebook at Hopeclinton. Sunday is the fourth week of Advent, a season of waiting and preparation for celebrating Jesus’ birth at Christmas and anticipating His second coming.
All are welcome!
Peace+
Pastor Eric
Resources:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/1?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/why-is-jesus-called-immanuel-?utm_source=chatgpt.com