God of love, hope, grace and peace – Day 19

God sent the angel Gabriel to a girl in Nazareth, a virgin named Mary, and gave her the news that she had been chosen; she would fall pregnant and bring a son into the world. And immediately, the angel told her what she must call him, Jesus.

The Hebrew name Jesus is closely related to the name Joshua, which means salvation.

An angel of the Lord also appeared to Joseph in a dream to talk to him about Mary and to convince him that he should not break off the engagement, because she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. “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” (Matthew 1:21). He leaves Joseph no doubt about what the boy’s name must be, “Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

God sent the angel ahead of Jesus’ birth to confirm the predictions of the prophets of years before: here is the Saviour! The angel announces the child’s name – Jesus – a name with a meaning, a name with a promise.

This name is forever. This is the name that people call out in times of darkness and despair, and it brings salvation. Christians, throughout the ages, have held to this promise. This name brings hope, redemption, a second chance, a new life and a new beginning! This name spells out God’s great love for us, his children!