Glad Tidings
‘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 1:21)
The birth of a new child always provokes the question of the name.
Some choices are rather strange – or so it seems to me! Of course, most names have a meaning.
The name of ‘Jesus’ was chosen for its meaning, namely ‘The Lord saves’.
In Hebrew, the name is Joshua, and so reminds us of one of the great saviours of the Old Testament.
Joshua saved God’s people from their enemies.
Jesus was born to save us from our sins by dying for us on the cross.
Question for self: Am I trusting Jesus to save me from my sins?
Loving God, we thank you for the courage and faithfulness of members
in South Sudan in the face of constant conflict.
May they continue to persevere as they bring hope of your love to troubled families.
Pray too, for the Diocese of the Murray in South Australia as they continue to run the
Families Equip parenting program that those who come will learn of your love for them. Amen