Today is the last day of 2025!! In just a few hours we celebrate the new year, and for Christians in the liturgical tradition, the High Feast Day of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ! January 1st is the 8th day after the celebration of the birth of Jesus when Jewish communities circumcise their young males and name their children. A very important day indeed!
We see this in the naming of both John the Baptist, and of Jesus. Why was choosing these specific names so important? Typically, a name is the first thing we learn about someone. A name defines us in relationship to those who have given it. For Zacharias and Elizabeth, naming their son John was an act of obedience – and they were adamant about obeying God’s word through the Angel. For Joseph and Mary, naming their son Jesus was an act of trust – and they trusted GOD completely. Fast forward 2000+ years, and the church throughout history and here now is gathered to celebrate the HIGH and HOLY NAME of Jesus. Why? What is in a name?
To understand what is in a name, first, we must understand the power of our words. The actual act of speaking has power. Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Our words are important. Everything that we express verbally has the power to influence and change those around us – for good or for evil. We can all think of words that influenced or even changed our lives.
So there is real POWER in our words and I would argue that the Name of Jesus is the most powerful single word in the entire UNIVERSE for ALL TIME. You see, there is life-changing Power of the Name of Jesus. The Holy Name of Jesus BREAKS STRONGHOLDS OF THE ENEMY, DEFEATS powers and principalities, SAVES, HEALs, FORGIVES, LOVES and more.
Jesus himself taught us to call upon His Holy Name. In John 16:23, Jesus said to his disciples, “Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” The name of Jesus gives us our identity (“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26.); Our salvation, (Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved – Acts 4:12”); Our deliverance. (“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe – Proverbs 18:10 (KJV)”)
If you know only one word, have only one thought, it is to know the most powerful word in the universe – the Holy Name of Jesus. When you are in need, are lost, or without hope, call upon the name of Jesus. When you seek help for you or others, call upon the name of Jesus. The enemy knows and understands the power of names, most especially the name Jesus. As Father Mac has taught so many of us, breathe in and out – the name of Jesus. JE…SUS.
Amen. And Happy New Year!
Deacon Diana
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