As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Matt. 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. 

In today’s gospel reading the angel appears to Joseph reassuring him that this situation he’s found himself in with Mary is from God and that there is a plan. He even gives Joseph clear instructions and an important role to play. “You are to name him Jesus.” It is necessary for Joseph, who is an heir to the throne of David, to be the one to name the baby, because in that way, he is adopting him and giving him the legal right to the Davidic Line. As Matthew is writing for the Jewish people, details like this are key to establishing who Jesus is so that they can believe. 

For us, in this time and place, the name of Jesus which means that God is with us and that he will save goes beyond just the fact that He is from the line of David and has the legal right to be our king. It is about the salvation He brings. The name of Jesus has power. It has deep meaning. It is the name above all other names. (Phil.2:9) St. Paul reminds us that every knee in heaven, on the earth and under the earth, will bow at this name. Jesus is the Christ, our Lord.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says in paragraph 2666 “But the one name that contains everything is the one that the Son of God received in his incarnation: JESUS. The divine name may not be spoken by human lips, but by assuming our humanity The Word of God hands it over to us and we can invoke it: "Jesus," "YHWH saves." The name "Jesus" contains all: God and man and the whole economy of creation and salvation. To pray "Jesus" is to invoke him and to call him within us. His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies. Jesus is the Risen One, and whoever invokes the name of Jesus is welcoming the Son of God who loved him and who gave himself up for him.”

Today, spend time meditating on His name. Let it rest in your heart and be a part of each breath. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. See His face. Feel His presence next to you. Rest your head upon his Sacred Heart. And just be. 

“The name of Jesus is at the heart of Christian prayer.” CCC435

Reflection Questions: How does it make you feel when you say the name Jesus? Does it bring peace? Does it make you joyful? Does it fill you with hope? Take some time to pray and talk with Him about how He has saved you. 

Prayer: Jesus. Sweet Jesus. Jesus, my savior. Jesus, my Lord. Jesus, my God. Thank you. Amen.