Influencers Weekly Devotional- The Name Above Every Name

December 23, 2015

The Name Above Every Name By Bryan Craig Radio City Nativity “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 It’s Christmas again, a time I cherish.  I’ve always enjoyed the music, the decorations, the buying of special gifts, the movies and the anticipation.  However, as I’ve grown older and hopefully, wiser, I see something deeper.  I see people reflecting on their lives.  I see people serving others.  I see people being a little more generous.  I see more love than usual.  One day it dawned on me that the reason I see these expressions is because at Christmastime, we are inviting Christ into our lives.  Even those who do not really know Him or abide with Him will honor Him with a Nativity scene in their home or by expressing “Merry Christmas” with their tongues.  When I see my Lord being glorified, it warms my heart and I treasure it, just like Mary, who reflected on her journey in bringing Christ into the world.  Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Several years ago, we attended The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular in NYC.  After all the fun Santa numbers, they presented a live Nativity.  They described Jesus on the big screen, though they never mentioned his name.  Here’s what the announcer with a big strong voice proclaimed: He was born in an obscure village, the Child of a peasant teen who knew not man. He grew up in another obscure village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never married or owned a home. He never held a job, yet paid taxes. He never set foot inside a metropolis. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never wrote a book, or held an office. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends deserted Him. He was turned over to His enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had – His coat. After He died, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave.  Two thousand years have come and gone, and today He is still the central figure for much of the human race. All the armies that ever marched and all the navies that ever sailed and all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as this “One Solitary Life.” Here I was, in a very secular setting in one of the largest cities in America, hearing them talk about the One I know, but they could not say His name.  Just like Paul addressed the Greeks and said, “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you…” I want to tell you about Jesus Christ, the One born to us: Jesus Christ is: “Immanuel”- which means “God With Us”- the Creator of the Universe sent Heaven to Earth so that we might find Him. “Savior”- His name means, “God Saves”- He saves us from the penalty of our sins by his sacrificial death on the Cross- we don’t get what we deserve. “Lord”- He wants and deserves ownership of our lives.  When we give our lives to serve Him, He transforms us into His likeness and He leads us into an abundant life. “Shepherd”- He is the Good Shepherd, Who cares for his sheep; He wants to help us through life and carry our burdens. “Friend”- Jesus says that if we Abide in Him, He no longer calls us servants, but friends. “Prince of Peace”- He truly brings Peace into our lives, no matter our circumstances “Wonderful Counselor”- When He was about to die on the cross, He told us He would send His Spirit to guide us into all truth.  He said He would be with us to the very end, and He is. “The Word”- the Bible is His Word and the very nature of Who He is.  In It we find Him. “Love”- God is Love and Jesus is God which means Jesus is Love.  Isn’t that what makes Christmas special….LOVE. “The Way, the Truth and the Life”- No one comes to the Father, except through Him.  Don’t complicate it.  Jesus is the Way, my friends.  “The Name Above Every Name”- Every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord!  His Name has power…don’t be afraid to say His name out loud.  Jesus! So, as you celebrate Christmas this year with your family and friends, keep Christ in your Christmas.  Remember, this holiday celebration is actually a foretaste of Heaven where we all will glorify Him forever. Merry CHRISTmas!  May you know and follow Him!