When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
the child was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
Christening is probably an archaic word now, but it's used to describe the baptismal naming of a child. But a secular society might unwittingly say they christened a car, ship, or public building.
The ritual bath of Christian baptism indicates God's choice of this particular child and lasts only a moment; but the name they're given with the rite remains forever. Anyone who calls the person by this name acknowledges God's election of them.
The ritual of circumcision of Jewish boys has the same dual purpose. The wound will heal in a few days but the divine name will remain upon this boy into manhood. Saint Luke tells us of Jesus's circumcision to remind us of the divine infant's origin among the Jewish people. He was, is, and will always be a Jew; he could not save us if he were not; for, as he told the Samaritan woman, "Salvation is from the Jews." (John 4:22)
We're also reminded that Mary and Joseph did as the angel told them. They fulfilled the command of God when they named the child Jesus "because he will save his people from their sins." (Matt 1:24-25)
When we speak or sing the Name of Jesus we also acknowledge the authority given to him for, as Saint Peter said,
"There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
As the sights, sounds, and excitement of Christmas fade, taking their place among the memories of yuletide past, we keep the name of Jesus. We speak it often, and invoke it continually. When we praise God for saving us from our sins, we speak his name. When we tell others of our foolishness, thanking God we have left that sinful past behind us, we thank the Lord Jesus. When we acknowledge that no technology or political sacrifice -- no matter how clever or popular -- can save our environment from destruction; and that we are helpless before the consequences of our own reckless waste, we call on Jesus to save us.
Such is the power of the name which the rabbi invoked when he christened the boy Jesus.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.