Is there anything more personal than our name? Given to us at birth, we carry it throughout our life - it identifies and defines us. Names are constantly changing. The names from my childhood like David, Jennifer, Brian and Michelle have given way to Olivia, Liam, Emma, Noah, Charlotte and Oliver.

Picking a name for children is a tough job! How you spell it, what it means and how it makes you feel all add up to finding that perfect nomenclature. Never did I know that I would name my first child, Justin (man of justice & righteousness). Or go with Caden (Companion of Peace) for number two and never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have a daughter named Jade (harmony & love). Each name has important meaning and each name brings me joy.

Somehow those names just seemed right for them when they were born. It was as if they came with a name and we just had to find it. How or why did you choose the names you chose for your children?

Renee Notkin shared this week that she loves the idea that Jesus was given a name that blesses us. His name, Jesus, means God Saves, and that must have been a small clue to His purpose on earth. Luke 2:20 says the child was named Jesus. This also means that Jesus knows our names and our names matter to Jesus, who is given the name above all names that saves and restores and loves.

Our names matter; we matter. And we are also given another name: Beloved. We know that our given and beloved names are forever sealed on the heart of God. Truly, what better names could there be?

See you on Sunday!

Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”