What is the significance of
the name, Jesus? We know that throughout their history the Jews have been
reluctant to use the name of God. Whether this was due to reverence, awe, or
fear is hard to say. Instead of naming God, they chose to refer to His activity
in the world. Thus the word, "Jesus" literally means, as St. Matthew
tells us, God saves. Similarly, Emmanuel means God is with us.
In the gospels the
birth of the Child will mean that God has entered our world in a special way.
He will become one of us and from that day forward we will be able to call Him
by his real Name, and even call Him brother. He can no longer be viewed as
distant or unapproachable. We cannot imagine God as some angry old man in the
skies waiting to throw lightning bolts at us when we step out of line. God is
Love, and Love comes into the world at Christmas.
Just like the Jews of
yesteryear we too need signs. Maybe there is nothing special about them. Maybe
we just fail to recognize them. Maybe, we can just point to the signs expressed
in Charley Brown's Christmas song.
Christmas time is here.
happiness and cheer,
fun for all that children
call their favorite time of year.
Snowflakes in the air,
carols everywhere,
olden times and ancient rhymes
and love and dreams to share.
Sleigh bells in the air,
beauty everywhere,
yuletide by the fireside
and joyful memories there.
Christmas time is here;
we'll be drawing near;
oh that we could always see
such spirit through the year,
such spirit through the year.
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