Advent: No Other Name - Tuesday, December 24
An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20–21
The naming of a child among the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) is a very important event. Traditionally, when there was a naming ceremony, there would have to be a feast with plenty of food and family and friends gathering together. It was, to say the least, a BIG event.
The child was to be named after his father's family clan. An elder of the father's clan was presented with a gift, usually including tobacco, and asked to name the newborn child. The name would have something connected to their clan, one of the twelve clans of the Ho-Chunk.
As the child grew, he would be taught to introduce himself with his Indian name, as well as his clan, along with the names of his parents and grandparents. The ability to let people know who you are was not based on one's vocation, or education level, or title, but rather one's connection to his people.
The text above from the gospel of Matthew is often read on Christmas Eve. A messenger of Yahweh appeared to Joseph. It is noted that Joseph was of the tribe of Judah, being a son of David. Joseph is let in on the miraculous conception and informed of the name that he is to give his foster son. That name is Jesus, or in Hebrew 'Yeshua'. Yeshua means 'Yahweh saves.' His name would proclaim the mission of Jesus to be the Savior of the people of every tribe, clan, and tongue.
The Good News is that Jesus was born to ultimately offer his sinless life as the complete payment for any and everyone who places his faith in Him. Luke wrote these words: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Faith in Jesus is all one needs to be assured of the blessed hope of everlasting life!
Dear Heavenly Father, we give you all praise and thanks for the blessed Christmas gift of Jesus our Savior. Amen.