“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11-16; all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Version; emphasis added).

January 1 is New Year’s Day on the secular calendar. On the church calendar, it is the Feast of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Since it is the eighth day of Christmas, one week after we celebrate the birth of Jesus, many churches commemorate the day that He was circumcised and officially named Jesus by Joseph and Mary. God had told them to name Him Jesus, the name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9-10). That name, which means “Savior,” was significant.

Scripture lists numerous names or titles for Jesus. He is “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us that He is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Many Christians think that lists four names; some think it is one.) It is probably more accurate to speak of these as different titles Jesus bears, but all of them—like His holy name—tell us something about Who He is. They are not empty words.

Jesus is Faithful and True. We can always trust Him no matter how crazy the world may become.

He is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). Everything that God ever revealed about Himself was clothed in human flesh when Jesus became a man to save us.

He is Jesus, which means “Savior.”

He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is our Sovereign Ruler. We owe Him full faith and devotion. May God have mercy on us when we bow to and revere earthly authorities instead of Him.

He even has a name “which no one knows except Himself.” Even though the Bible tells us all we need to know about Jesus to be saved, there are things about Him that we cannot even begin to comprehend.

So many names. So much glory. We have so many reasons to worship Him. May we all come to know Him better and worship Him more fully in the year to come.

Which name or title of Christ is most meaningful to you? Share your thoughts or suggestions by clicking the “Leave a comment” link below.

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