OBSERVATIONS:
I asked myself what 3 things does the Angel of the Lord tell Joseph?

1. She [Mary] will give birth to a son.
2. You are to give Him the name Jesus.
3. He will save His people from their sins.

INTERPRETATIONS:
I asked myself why is it significant that the Angel of the Lord says 'She will give birth to a son.'?
The Angel of the Lord is assuring Joseph in his pain, confusion, and despair that the Holy Spirit who began the work in Mary with the miraculous conception while she is still a virgin will take care of everything from conception to birth. That means Joseph can be sure that Mary would give birth in 9 months without any complications to her or her baby. This is evidenced by the promise 'She will give birth to a son.'

I asked myself why is it significant that the Angel of the Lord says, 'You are to give Him the name Jesus?'
I found it so interesting that the Angel of the Lord not only wants Joseph to take Mary home as his wife but when the son is born, Joseph should be responsible to take care of the son with the most important task of giving the son a name but specifically the name chosen by the Angel of the Lord : JESUS.

I asked myself why did the Angel of the Lord want Joseph to name Him Jesus of all names and it's significance.?
Then, I was reminded of what Jesus means. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means 'The Lord saves'. By asking Joseph to name Jesus with a Greek name is foreshadowing that Jesus will be the Hope of all nations. Greeks are considered Gentiles so Jesus will be the Savior of all including Gentiles like me, my darling wife Chandraleela, Esther, Evangeline, etc. The Gentiles will all become His people when they accept Jesus. However Jesus will not be limited to saving Gentiles alone for His desire and hope is to save all the Jews too. At the Name of Jesus, Jews and Gentiles will be saved when they turn to Him.

IMPLICATIONS:
I asked myself what are the implications for my own life?
I learned there is a lot of significance to the Name of Jesus. It is Jesus who wants to be Lord of my life and save me for Jesus means Joshua which means 'Lord saves'. Also, I should not take any name lightly whether calling people by name or when called by name.  What is awesome is that Jesus calls me by name and I belong to Him. I am precious and special in the Lord's sight. You too are precious in the Lord's sight. The Name of Jesus should be shown so much reverence in my life. I love you Jesus.

"But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 43:1-3a, TLB)

I ask you now dear friend, what significance do you give a N.A.M.E in life?
Dear friend, a name has a lot of meaning behind it and when we discover that it can also change our life especially when we discover the Name of Jesus, there is ultimate protection from the evil one. For the Name of Jesus has power to save you and me from sin. Also a name helps us give meaning to experiences, make people valued, etc. Yesterday, I ran into a student I served. When I called her by name, she was so happy that I remembered her name.

Even now when I serve students, I make sure to call them by name trying to remember all their names whether they are 1 or 100+. Not only that but I make sure to tell each of them, 'Have a Blessed Day' after calling them by name. Before I even serve them, I ask the Lord Jesus to save all the students, I call by name and bless their day. When you call people by their name, make sure it is to bless them and not destroy them. Examples: Brendan, have a Blessed Day, Karleigh, have a Blessed day!

Almost 25 years ago, when I served the Pennsylvania Governor School of International Studies (PGSIS) students from 2000 - 2008, I wanted every student to feel special and remembered all 100+ names each year and called them by name to make them feel loved and valued. I also would share with them poems to show the love of Jesus to them because I knew the Name of Jesus is a Name that saves all.

In Sept 2012, after our first child was born, we prayed and searched for a name to give her. When my mom told me that my youngest brother Rohit will call his niece Esther regardless of what name we gave her, I mentioned that to my sweet wife. She told me that she liked the name and we should name her Esther as her brother-in-law wanted. I wanted a Bible name and when the Bible verse, "For you were born for such a time as this' came to my mind, I knew Esther would be the name of our daughter because that is how we felt about our daughter for she was born for such a time as this.

In May 2015, after our precious Evangeline was born, we were praying and looking for a Christian name that starts with the letter E. What came to my mind was Evangeline because Chandra and I love to evangelize to people about Jesus Christ. Evangeline means 'Bearer of Good News.' By the Lord's grace she has become such a good bearer of good news even sharing about Jesus.

Other than my mom, we all grew up with only males in our family: 4 brothers including myself and my beloved dad who is with the Lord Jesus. My mommy also liked the name and since the Bible verse was from the Book of Esther, we named her Esther. Esther is now a beautiful 12+ year old daughter now by God's grace. Evangeline is a beautiful 9+ year old daughter now by the Lord's grace.

A name does have significance friend. Friend, the Lord Jesus loves you so much and has called you by name. You are precious and special in the Lord's sight and when you come to Him, He will write your name in the Book of Life. He also has His own name for you that He will reveal in His timing. Praise the Lord. So friend, come to Jesus as you are and never be upset about your name for your name is very special. You have a identity and purpose in life. This Christmas season know that you are loved and cherished. You are never out of His love and never out of His reach. When you belong to the Lord, He has your Name written in the Book of Life.

Whatever we are going through, Jesus already knows about it. Come as you are in your pain, confusion, tears, doubts, etc to the Name above all Names! :)

May you come to know the Name of Jesus and His power to save you! Amen!

"Nurturingly Always Messiah Emancipates!"(N.A.M.E.)/"What significance do you give a N.A.M.E in life?"

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you so much for being my Lord and Personal Savior. Thank you Lord you came into this world to save. We are saved by you when we turn to you. Thank you so much Lord that I learned about the significance of a name especially your Name and the power behind it. Your Name has the power to change lives. Thank you that we are loved and special in your sight. Thank you that you call us by Name. Help us Oh Lord for the glory and honor of your Name. Deliver us and save us. Thank you so much Jesus! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!