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Gospel Reading for December 23, 2024 – Luke 1: 57-66
CHRISTEN
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
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The meaning of the name “John” is – “God is gracious.” It was the name the angel said to Zechariah. And truly, God showed his graciousness to Zechariah and Elizabeth by giving them a son in their old age and even when Elizabeth was known to be barren; by giving their son the very important role of preparing the way for the Messiah, thereby also giving them the very important role of bringing up John and preparing him to be the Precursor of Jesus.
There is this lady who works in an insurance company, and whose name is “Precious.” She said she was given this name by her mother because when she was born, she did not have a heartbeat. She is very grateful she survived. Surely, she is “Precious” not only to her mother, but also to God.
Christian parents really have to name their children with Christian thoughts. To “CHRISTEN” means to give the baby a Christian name as a sign of admission to a Christian Church. We are offering our baby who came from the Lord, unto our Lord. Why then would we name our babies after cars, pets, and what-nots?
Lord, may parents give their newly-born babies, names that will describe their gratitude for your graciousness!
