In the Bible, names are significant. Adam was given the charge of naming the animals, which must have been something an interesting challenge. He would have closely watched each kind of animal to see what type of character it had as well as it’s appearance before finalising a name for it. I wonder how long it took him? It is interesting to notice that God went with whatever names Adam gave to the animals!

In the Bible children were named in the same way. Unlike in our day and age, most were named a little later when their character showed through. Like Jacob, which unfortunately means: ‘supplanter’ or ‘deceiver,’ because he was a ‘twisty’ type of character! He was later renamed by God to Isreal, meaning ‘a prince with God’.  He had an encounter with God and his life was changed forever!

Until each child was officially named, they were known only as the son or daughter of their father. Sometimes children were named because of certain prominent events taking place; good or bad ones! When Isaac was born he was given this name because it means ‘laughter’. There was of course much joy at his birth seeing as he was born to elderly parents passed childbearing age. But also if it were not for God’s overall intervention, bearing children at such an age was something to laugh at.

We do not read in our Bibles of many who were given a name before birth, but we know for certainty that there was One! This very precious child that was born was given His name by God before He was conceived. The archangel Gabriel was sent to a virgin maid to tell her of what was about to happen, and then said this: “Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” Luke 1: 31. Joseph her betrothed husband was then told by the same angel in a dream: “[Mary] shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21.

A Saviour for you and for me. This is the best news anyone could ever hear! And we know and treasure the account of His spotless life that led all the way to the cross upon which He died as our Substitute. We know also that our beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus lives in the power of an endless life having raised from the dead three days after He was laid to rest in a borrowed tomb.

However, He bears a multitude of other names as well. Each of them expressive and significant. ‘Immanuel’, ‘Lamb of God’, ‘Redeemer’, ‘Wonderful’, ‘Counsellor’, ‘Mighty God’, ‘Everlasting Father’, ‘Prince of Peace’, ‘Alpha’, ‘Omega’ … to name but a few!

Every one of His precious names perfectly complimented His outstanding and altogether lovely character. If ever we were to stop and contemplate each facet of His glorious character, we know that our minds would have been dwelling on things most precious. Thoughts of awe and wonderment are engendered within us. Because of such a Person and name barer is He, we cannot help but be comforted when sorrowful, strengthened when frail, emboldened when fearful.

There is no doubt that He is the One to turn to when in need, and in Him we are comforted, strengthened, and satisfied. Surely our hearts ought to stir within us whenever we think of or lovingly mention His precious Name. Oh, what a privilege it is to express in love and worship to our beloved Lord:

His very name is fragrant, because His very character is. He is not a vessel closed up, but has been all poured out to the delight of His Father’s heart, and to ours also, and ‘unto us therefore which believe he is precious’, … most precious indeed!

The above verse is the theme for my song for Christmas, but due to circumstances outside of my control I have been unable to record it at the moment. However, this gives me a project to take up in the New Year. My songs are usually created to be appreciated at any time of the year and not necessarily for the Christmas season only, so my new song will be perfectly fitting for the very time I am able to complete this special project and publish it. I look forward to getting to work in this very soon ❣️

But in the mean time here is my Christmas song written for Christmas 2022: ‘Oh Love Divine’ I trust you will be blessed in watching and listening.

I trust that you and your loved ones will have a most precious time during this special season,
With every blessing
Amanda