In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His Name by which he will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jeremiah 23:6—NKJV)

The naming of a baby is a great privilege. Every thoughtful parent spends time researching meanings in baby books. There are many approaches to the naming of a child. Some names are chosen just because they are novel and strike the parents’ fancy. Other names are chosen because they “sing.” A few names are chosen due to family tradition. Still other combinations are chosen because the meaning of the name speaks of accountability to God, and is a worthy goal for the child to set for his life.

When naming His Son, God specifically chose names for the purpose of unveiling and revealing His Son to mankind. No human parent can hope to do the same thing with any certainty. Not a one of us has a shred of hope to know what our child will become, let alone who he will become. God knows His Son thoroughly, and pre-ordained His work.

What names spoken by human tongue would have the scope and grandeur to adequately introduce His Son? The chosen names had to be sufficient to charge Joseph and Mary to act as His Son’s earthly parents. The revealed names had to prepare the shepherds for the baby they were to see in such humble surroundings. The prophesied names had to teach us the significance of the Christmas story.

Come with me into the stable and gaze upon the serenity of new parents basking in the reflective joy of a new birth. Peer into the manger to glimpse a newborn son. To the uninformed, all that can be seen is shared human joy at the potential of a new son’s entrance into the world. To believers who have studied the prophetic names of this Son, the meaning expansively unfolds and keeps unfolding as we mature in Christ. Let’s review the prophetic names which equip us to understand the meaning of His birth.

“’They shall call His Name IMMANUEL’ which is translated, ‘GOD WITH US.’” (Matt. 1:23) See the Son and see that the separation brought on by Adam between God and man in the Garden of Eden is ended with the birth of this baby. “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:16) See the Son and see Royalty embarking on His life mission.

“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…that Holy One who is born will be called the SON OF GOD.” (Luke 1:32, 35) See the Son and see divine Majesty meeting human misery.

“He was clothed in a robe of blood, and His Name is called THE WORD OF GOD.” (Rev. 19:13) See the Son and observe God has revealed Himself in perfection and yet in human terms.

“His Name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21) See the Son and see the only Savior. Know divine compassion in that “Jehovah saves.”

“Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jer. 23:6) See the Son and see attainable hope in righteousness with God. There is nothing theoretical about the efficacy of the substitutionary death of Christ.

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called FAITHFUL AND TRUE.” (Rev. 19:11) See the Son and see the almighty Conqueror who provides access to God. In the Christ-child we find God convenient and approachable.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.” (Is. 9:6) See the Son and you see where wrongs are righted and where the time-bound touches eternity. All the world could hope for in justice was provided on that birthday!

Do you see just another wonder-filled birthday of a baby boy, or do you see the all the best hopes of lost mankind met in a humble birth of your Savior? Yield the mastery of your life to the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Trust and obey.