It Starts Small

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Scripture Reading:

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²³ See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,

which is translated “God is with us.”

Matthew 1:23

In Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo and Juliet, the fervent Juliet Capulet poses a profound question: “What is in a name? That which we call a rose by another name would smell as sweet.” This pivotal line encapsulates the heart-wrenching struggle and tragedy that permeates the play. Undoubtedly, the impassioned Capulet is right. A person’s name should never be a measure of their worth. It should not serve as a basis for stereotypes. It should not lead to the unfounded hatred of someone you have yet to truly know.

However, while our names may have morphed into mere labels, the names ascribed to God resonate with profound significance! From El Shaddai, the “Lord Almighty,” to Jehovah Raah, “the Lord is my Shepherd,” and to El Olam, which translates to “the everlasting God,” every name of the Divine in His Word unveils a beautiful aspect of His nature. Among all His magnificent names, mine is undoubtedly Immanuel, “God is with us!”

After discovering that Mary was carrying a child, Joseph felt an overwhelming turmoil within him, leading him to the heart-wrenching decision to quietly end their engagement, clinging to his righteous nature. Yet, just when despair threatened to take hold, a celestial messenger, the angel Gabriel, appeared to him in a vivid dream, igniting a flame of hope by affirming the truth of Mary’s miraculous story (Matthew 1:20-21)!

²⁰ But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:20-21

I absolutely adore this passage of scripture! The name contained within is so rich with power, comfort, and breathtaking beauty! To me, it boldly declares that this child, Jesus, is unequivocally the Son of God. He is the promised Messiah. He is the cherished seed of Abraham and the eternal heir to David’s majestic throne!

This encourages a deep reflection. It highlights a striking passage in the Gospels that vividly proclaims the eternal Word. The Word “became flesh and made His dwellings among us” (John 1:14). Yet, before we delve into that divine mystery, we must passionately immerse ourselves in the powerful message of John 1:1-2:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:1-2

Here, John passionately reveals that Jesus, the Son of God, is the vibrant embodiment of the Word of God. He is God incarnate; the One whose voice brought forth the divine will of the Lord at the dawn of creation (Genesis 1:1-2:3; Psalm 33:9; Hebrews 11:3). He embodies the character, heart, will, and mind of God the Father, unveiling His glorious essence to the world.

We eagerly prepare to celebrate with beloved family and friends in joyful worship. Let us remember that Immanuel came to forge a path for us all. He wanted us to know God in the most profound and intimate way. He entered our world to save us from our sins. He came to profoundly transform our hearts. He also wanted to breathe life into our spirits (John 1:4-5). The Son of God willingly left the splendor of heaven. He did this so that we could claim “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). He chose to dwell among us. He laid down His life for us. Astonishingly, He now makes His home within each of us.

Oh what a beautiful name this is!

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You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ

… What a beautiful name it is
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful name it is
The name of Jesus

… You didn’t want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now

… What a wonderful name it is
What a wonderful name it is
The name of Jesus Christ my King
What a wonderful name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a wonderful name it is
The name of Jesus

… Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast, of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again

… You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever, God You reign
Yours is the Kingdom
Yours is the Glory
Yours is the name, above all names

… What a powerful name it is
What a powerful name it is
The name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful name it is
The name of Jesus

… What a powerful name it is
The name of Jesus
What a powerful name it is
The name of Jesus

What A Beautiful Name Song by Hillsong Worship ‧ 2016

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