The 8th Day of Christmas

Luke 2:21
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

“His name was called Jesus.” Names mean thing, and they carry weight and power. Why else would God be so specific, so picky, about what His Son would be named? It will not be left up to chance, to the whims of Mary and Joseph. This is the name of the child that will save the universe by the shedding of His blood, but more than that, this is “the name that is above every name, so 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.” As the hymn says, “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.” 
Here are a few examples of that power. 

Acts 2:38 - And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3:6 -  But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Acts 3:16 - And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Acts 4:10 - let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.

Acts 4:29-30 - And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 10:48 - And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Acts 16:16-18 - As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

Acts 21:13 - Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

The name of Jesus heals, exorcises, rebukes, resurrects, baptizes, and moves believers to risk their lives for Him. Yes, there is power in that name, and there is no other name which gives such a great salvation. (Acts 4:12) So never forget that your God has a name, and His name is Jesus. Fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. Call upon Him in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. Do all things in His name. And when you hear the archangel clear his throat and speak the name of Jesus, hit your knees and get ready for the refrain: “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

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