If I could turn back the calendar to any time in the past, it would be during those months of anticipating our first born. There was an air of anticipation that was both full of nervousness and excitement. Night after night, my husband and I would plop down on the couch, snuggle up, and talk about our plans!
We’d pull out our tattered notebook filled with page after page of lists. What we need for the baby, what we need for the baby’s room. Themes, colors, things we wanted to get done before the baby was born. Our conversations were dreamy and optimistic. “Dreamy” describes that time perfectly! We had no idea what to expect and we dreamt about the future, all the possibilities, our hopes for our baby and our growing family. We chose not to find out the gender of our baby – which made our anticipation even more exciting. What if it was a boy? Oh, a girl would be fun! We’d take out our notebook and jot down names. Boy names were on the left column, girl names on the right.
I remember those days!
“How about the name Ryan? I love that name!”
“No,” would come the reply. I’d cross out RYAN from my list.
“If it’s a girl, Christina. It’s my favorite girls name! Or Anna, I love Anna.”
“I like Christina” Chris replied.
Oh, the conversations went on and on! The list of names grew and shrunk over the months until the day came. Excitedly we went to the hospital, tattered notebook in tow – we were sure we’d know our baby’s name as soon as we met him or her.
But we didn’t. And our son was born!
And though our notebook had a selection of 10+ boy’s names that we had agreed upon, none seemed “right.” At the top of the list was “Kyle.” Our hesitation laid in the fact that we believed the meaning behind our baby’s name was important. And, Kyle meant, “from the straight.” (You know, the “straight,” like…a “canal”) Hmmmm. The discussions continued. Days passed.
Fortunately, Mary and Joseph didn’t have this problem. They knew from the get-go that their baby would be a boy and what his name would be. No sonogram necessary!
Almost 700 years before baby Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah’s name would be multi-faceted.
You see, names are like labels – they identify and describe the person.
They tell others what we are like.
As young parents we knew that each time we called our son by his name – we would be speaking a “truth” over him. And we wanted it to be a positive, uplifting label.
The names that Isaiah predicted for Mary’s baby were descriptions of who he would be:
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Immanuel
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Wonderful
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Counselor
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Mighty God
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Everlasting Father
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Prince of Peace
It turns out that the meaning behind names are important! The fact that it took us three days to come up with a name that had a special meaning was A-ok! We chose Matthew which means a gift of God. We never wanted to forget, or have our son forget, that he was a gift from the Lord God Almighty.
In the book of Matthew, chapter 1, an angel visited Joseph to tell of the Savior’s coming. He elaborated further and told Joseph that he would have a son and should name him Jesus (which means God saves). Matthew goes on to explain the name Isaiah foretold, Immanuel means God with us.
Imagine! For just a moment. The God of the universe, who made every living organism is dwelling with you and is intimately interested in – you.
God. With. Us. God with YOU.
Personally, this is my favorite name for God. Immanuel, God with me! It’s a reminder that my God walks with me, and talks with me. He doesn’t leave me to “do life” alone. He is with me. I don’t know about you, but I need a little help – let’s be honest – a whole lot of help. And to have God Almighty personally involved in my life, and trusting that He is involved in your life – makes all of our lives meaningful.
God with us. His omnipresence validates us and Him. He knows. He cares. He dwells. A God that will never leave us alone. He is deeply in love with you and will not leave you.
He will not leave you. Ever. It’s in His name. It’s who He is.
Immanuel.
God with us.
May you sense Immanuel’s presence this Christmas season. Pause for a moment. He is there.
Merry Christmas my friends!!
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Becky Hastings says
The many names of God are amazing! And I find that during different seasons of my life I need one name more than the others. I think God knew that would happen 😉
Char says
It’s true – a name for all seasons. It’s good to see He has no limits. Merry Christmas Becky!!
Michele Morin says
I loved those days of naming as well. Such a significant gift to give to our children, and then I made up little “name songs” as I held them, simple melodies and words that carried their name and its meaning.
Immanuel is such a rich and meaningful name for Jesus. Thanks for “speaking it” into this Christmas season, and blessings to you and your family as you celebrate!
Char says
That’s great – how you made up songs! I love that! I wish I could hear them as I’m sure they’re adorable and creative too.
Merry, Merry Christmas Michele!
Joanne Viola says
Beautiful post, Char. The names of God continually amaze me as surely I have needed each of those names. God knew our needs, and our Savior encompasses every single need. I am so grateful all I need to speak is His Name! May you and yours have a blessed Christmas!
Char says
Thanks Joanne! Merry Christmas to your family too! I wanted to do a post on all the names of God, but there are just too many!
Jamie@TheMomGene says
Immanuel is my favorite name for Jesus too…and I love the song. I haven’t thought back to the baby-naming stage in so long. And now, looking at my oldest, I cannot imagine him as anyone other than Charlie. He is SUCH a Charlie.
Char says
I love that song too! Every time I hear the name- I am reminded- He is here!
Crystal says
I appreciate the angle you took here, and I love the story of how you chose your son’s name. Shane, our oldest son’s name is also a derivative of Matthew, and as he was our firstborn, we continually told him he was our “gift from God.” Another thing the two of us have in common:) How grateful I am for the many names of God and how He ministers to me through them in every situation.
Char says
Yep! Like Becky said… God knew we’d need the many different attributes that each of God’s name offers. That’s pretty cool about Shane and Matthew’s names.
Cindy says
What a beautiful post, so beautifully woven together with your son’s anticipated birth and the birth of our Saviour. Love the connection and importance of names. Wonderfully written, Char!
Char says
I believe there is a lot of meaning behind our names. My earliest mentor told me that each time we say a name the meaning is portrayed. So I wanted my children’s to be meaningful – like the Lord’s.
Anita Ojeda says
What a beautiful truth you point out, Char! God’s love is written in the name of his Son :).
Marilyn Lesniak says
It is always a pleasure to link up with you. Thank you for all you do to bring bloggers together. I invite you to join me at #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Have a great week!
Maree Dee says
I love remembering God’s name and the meaning. My favorite meaning is “never alone.” I like knowing and remembering I am never alone.
Char says
Amen! Me too.
Karen Woodall says
I love that God gave us so many names by which we can know Jesus. One for every need we have! Thanks for the reminder!
Donna Reidland says
All 3 times I struggled with finding the right name. My daughter was almost the baby without a name. LOL. But seriously, God’s names are so important. Each time we learn one of His names, He shows us a different facet of Himself. I love the fact that He wants to reveal more of Himself to us! Merry Christmas and lots of New Year blessings.
Char says
Thanks for the warm wishes Donna! It’s wonderful to see the different attributes of God through His names. Thanks for pointing that out.
sue says
A great post, Char, as usual. I love that name and a beautiful reminder of God’s great gift to your family. God is with us and I personally need that reminder more as a parent than any other time! merry christmas! Sue
Char says
Amen! Merry Christmas Sue!
Cheryl says
Happy New Years! My husband and I named our daughter, Eva because it means “life”. Eva was born two weeks before Christmas and not only does her name represent the life she has on this earth but, the birth of a life Christians anticipate each Christmas.