The name of Jesus: January 1, 2008

Currents in Theology and Mission, Oct, 2007 by Joy L. McDonald Coltvet

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 8

Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 2:15-21

First Reading--Named God's children

A theme that runs throughout these readings, appropriately for the day, is that of being named and chosen. In Numbers, we are reminded that the children of God put God's name on them and God blesses them. The psalmist wonders, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor." We are reminded by the psalmist that, because of this special status, there is much for us to care for in all of creation--and, lest we forget, that God's name is majestic in all the earth.

The letter to the Galatians explores the relationship of our adoption as God's children. Because we are God's children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts crying Abba, Father. God's Spirit allows us to recognize God and be recognized. We are not slave but child, and if child then also heir. With inheritance comes both freedom and responsibility.

The observance of the naming and circumcision of Jesus on the eighth day has roots in the sixth century. (24) Like any Jewish boy, Jesus bears the mark of the covenant that began with Abraham and becomes new through the shedding of his blood on the cross. When we are named children of God at baptism, we are marked by the cross of Christ and baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Use of these cruciform themes around naming might cause the preacher to choose the second reading from Philippians 2 instead of Galatians, since it takes us through Jesus' journey as human being, to the humility of the cross and God's raising him and giving him "the name that is above every name" (Phil 2:9).

We look to Luke for the fullest account of the circumcision and naming of Jesus, just one verse long. According to Matthew, Jesus is the name given to Joseph when the angel assures him that Mary's child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. According to Luke, that name is given to Mary by the angel before the baby is conceived. Regardless of whether the name was shared initially with Mary or Joseph or both, the name is significant. It means "God saves" and, according to Luke, it comes with this additional promise, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end" (1:32-33).

Pastoral Reflection

But I tol' Jesus it would be all right If He changed mah name (25)

While traveling in Mexico, our immersion group met with a community and faith leader, Nacho Torres. As he introduced himself, he pointed out that this was his "slave name." One of the young women of our group, an African American from Chicago, asked what he meant by that. He explained that the name was Spanish--the group that had conquered and enslaved his own indigenous people and forced their culture on them, a conquest that goes on even today. He has another name, in his native language, that he uses among his people in religious ceremonies and within family. This is his true name. During our time together we reflected about cultural enslavement in one's own land and also the atrocity of taking people from their land to another, having not only name, identity, and culture imposed but taking people even from their land.

Isabella Baumfree changed her name. After many years as an African-American slave in the U.S., which included severe beating, losing the man she loved, and bearing thirteen children, she walked away from slavery and became a Christian, feminist, and preacher. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth and embodied her new name as she traveled and spoke truth from that time until her death.

In Mayan culture, there are no words for "I" or "me," only "we" and "us." There is no word for "enemy," although that has been learned over time. This shows a collective sense of name and identity that we ought to have as Christians, as well, although we don't always live into this reality.

One story of notable exception is that of Grace Lutheran Church in Conroe, Texas. In response to Hurricane Katrina's devastating impact, Grace found another church named Grace in New Orleans and decided to share their resources. They didn't stop there. They contacted every church named Grace in the ELCA (383 in all!), and many of these congregations joined in partnership to raise nearly $100,000 and provide volunteers for recovery efforts. They shared a name, so they could sense how they were all related.

Names are important. Growing up, "Joy" was an unusual name in my community. In Sunday school, other children pointed at me as we sang any number of songs with "joy" in them. "McDonald" was not much better--think Old McDonald, Ronald McDonald ... you get the picture. However, when I was about to be married, I realized that I wanted to keep my name--or, if marriage is a bond that requires change, as I think it is, that both of us should change to show that mutuality. I was blessed with a partner who saw my point, and we have been the "McDonald Coltvet" family ever since. Sure, it's a mouthful, and sometimes frustrating in a culture that still predominantly expects one last name, but it is meaningful to me that we both changed our names.