(Matthew 1:18-25)…..18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
(Luke 1:26-38)…..26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But]when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Many years ago a hymn writer by the name of Charles Wycuff penned the following words:
There’s a name above all others,
Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer.
It’s the lovely name of Jesus,
Evermore the same, what a lovely name.
CHORUS:
What a lovely name, the name of Jesus.
Reaching higher far, than the brightest star.
Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven.
Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.
The name he refers to is the name Jesus, it is a name that we know well, it is a name that was well known in Jesus’ day, it was a common name. When Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago, there were many children in Israel named Jesus, but there was none like Him (Matthew 1:21-23) (Luke 2:21). His Name Declares His Identity (Luke 1:32-35). This baby would not be like any other baby because He would be the Son of God. The eternal Son of God, Who had existed with His Father from eternity past. He would step into time and be born through the womb of a virgin. The ancient prophecy of Isaiah would be fulfilled in the person of Jesus (Isaiah 7:10-14).
The name “Immanuel” means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Now we know this, because that is Who Jesus is! He is the Son of God, He is God in human flesh, He is “God with us” (John 1:1-5,14). He is even the king of Israel (Luke 1:32). This baby, born to humble people of humble means, would be a direct descendant of King David. More than that, He would be the fulfillment of the God’s promise to King David a thousand years earlier (2 Samuel 7:4-17). This baby would one day sit on the throne of David and be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and unlike every other king in the line of David, this King will reign forever (Isaiah 9:6-7). One day this King will return in glory and He will rule the world with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15). When you say the name “Jesus” – you are calling on the name of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Immanuel, God with us! WOW!