Name of Jesus – Luke 2:15-21

But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19, NRSV)

There are many things to love about the story of Christ’s birth as told by the Third Evangelist, but I think one of the most poignant passages in the whole story is the verse above. In a culture that is constantly looking for the next big thing, there is often little time to treasure anything; in a society with an increasingly short attention span – and an increasing number of people who seem to have the enviable ability to multi-task – one could argue that we don’t spend much time pondering things either. Martin Luther loved Mary for her example of bold and unrelenting faith in God’s plan and promise, and those of us who inhabit traditions that have sidelined the Mother of our Lord might do well to follow her at least in pondering the words of the angels who announced Christ’s coming, and in reflecting on the significance of Christ’s given name: Jesus, from the Hebrew Yehoshua, which means “the Lord saves”. Thanks be to God for taking on flesh in the person of Jesus and dwelling in our midst to save and redeem us and our broken world! May the knowledge of that great gift be our heart’s treasure today and always!

Eternal Father, you gave your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be a sign of our salvation. Plant in every heart the love of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (From Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

– Pastor Andrew Chavanak, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (20th & Towle)