Names in our day don’t mean much. Parents pick out names for their children for many reasons. Some are different; others are weird; some are chosen to honor someone they think of as their hero. Sometimes a child will be named after a family member. But, most of the time, there is no special significance behind the choice of a name.
My name is ‘James Gregory Burdine’ and my wife is ‘Judy Ann Burdine.’ I discovered some things about our names and the names of our 4 children…
James means ‘supplant’ and is derived from Jacob. There were 2 disciples & 6 presidents names James. Other famous namesakes are James Brown, James Dean, James Bond.
Gregory means ‘watchful & alert’. There were 16 popes names Gregory.
I was named after my dad, ‘James’, and Gregory Peck.
Judy means ‘praised’. There was a woman of Judea, one of Esau’s wives, named Judith. Also there is a Book of Judith (apocryphal) who killed the invading Assyrian commander by beheading him in his sleep. A famous namesake is Judy Garland.
Ann means ‘merciful, gracious’. There was an English Queen Anne and Henry the8th had a 2nd wife (Ann Bolyne) whom he beheaded. Famous namesakes are Ann Margret& Raggedy Ann.
Jennifer means ‘white wave, fair one’ and is from the name Guinevere. Famous namesakes are Jennifer Anistan, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson.
Joshua means ‘God is salvation’. Joshua was one of 12 spies & leader of Israel after Moses. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua.
Jill means ‘girl, sweetheart, youthful’. A famous namesake is Jack & Jill.
Justin means ‘just, true, fair’. There was a Justin Martyr who was beheaded in Rome and 2 Roman Emperors. Famous namesakes are Justin Timberlake & Justin Bieber.
The 5 Most Popular Boys Names in 2013: Jackson, Aiden, Liam, Lucas, Noah
The 5 Most Popular Girls Names in 2013: Sophia, Emma, Olivia, Isabella, Mia
Maybe names don’t have much significance to them today but in Biblical times things were different. Names have great significance in the Bible. A name was not just the label that differentiated one person from another, but often described something about the person.
Who is Jesus Christ? Was He simply a good man, a teacher, or a revolutionary? Through His names, the Bible gives us great insight into the identity of the baby that was born in Bethlehem.
Jesus
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
The name “Jesus” is our Lord’s human name. His name means “Jehovah is Salvation”. The word “salvation” tells us what Jesus came into this world to accomplish. He came to “save His people from their sins” The word “save” means “keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction”. Jesus came to this world for one purpose only and that purpose was to die on the cross for sinners, In spite of all He did while He was here, his primary purpose in coming into this world was so that He could die for His people.
Emmanuel
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 2:23)
This is from the Hebrew words Immanu: “with us” and El “God”. There were many children in Israel at that time named Jesus. But, there was only one Who could be called “Emmanuel”! After all these years, Jesus still stands alone. He is the only One Who can save a lost soul. Mankind has fallen into the deep pit of sin. As he lies there perishing many ‘would be’ saviours walk by with their advice. The legalist says “You shouldn’t fall into pits. The pessimist says, “You’re going to die in that pit!” The philosopher says, “You need to accept your pit.” The liberal says, “There is no pit.” But, Jesus comes by, and He says, “I’ll get into the pit with you and lift you out!”
It’s Christmas time! We need to remember that the reason we are even celebrate Christmas is because of a little infant born into this world 2,000 years ago. That infant was no ordinary baby. He is worthy of all we can give to Him. Have you given Jesus your all this Christmas?
To the ARTIST He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the ARCHITECT He is the Chief Corner Stone.
To the BAKER He is the Living Bread.
To the BANKER He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the BIOLOGIST He is the Life.
To the BUILDER He is the Sure Foundation.
To the CARPENTER He is the Door.
To the DOCTOR He is the Great Physician.
To the EDUCATOR He is the Great Teacher.
To the ENGINEER He is the New and Living Way.
To the FLORIST He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the GEOLOGIST He is the Rock of Ages.
To the HORTICULTURIST He is the True Vine.
To the JUDGE He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.
To the JEWELER He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the LAWYER He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the NEWSPAPER He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the OCULIST He is the Light of the Eyes.
To the PHILANTHROPIST He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the PHILOSOPHER He is the Wisdom of God.
To the PREACHER He is the Word of God.
To the SCULPTOR He is the Living Stone.
To the SERVANT He is the Good Master.
To the STATESMAN He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the STUDENT He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the THEOLOGIAN He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
To the TOILER He is the Giver of Rest.
To the SINNER He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World.
To the CHRISTIAN He is the Son of the Living God, the Saviour, the Redeemer and the Lord!