Can you imagine the love and reverence with which the angel said Jesus’ name, when the angel spoke to Joseph?

“You are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Can you imagine Joseph’s tone of voice when he told Mary the name given for their child?

Can you imagine Mary, aware of the child growing in her, speaking Jesus’ name? First with Joseph in the intimacy of their home, later to the shepherds and the Magi.

We can imagine them all looking at the baby, saying Jesus’ name with that same angelic reverence and love.

It is always very beautiful for us to hear Jesus’ name spoken with adoration. Our spirit soars, yes?

This is one gift we can all give, one form of evangelism we can all share this Christmas and into 2018.

As we know, our Australia needs to hear Jesus’ name re-said with love and reverence. So there can be salvation. So there can be healing and wholeness. May it be so.

Amen.

Bishop Philip Huggins, President

National Council of Churches in Australia