"We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention."
The
scriptures are filled with meaningful names of Christ that give us
more understanding about His role in our lives and His many gifts to
us.
Some
names are familiar — perhaps so much that we forget (or perhaps
never thought about) their significance. Others may be less common.
But each is worthy of our consideration and reflection, especially
during this holy season of the year.
Here
are descriptions and scriptures for just a few:
Messiah.An Aramaic word meaning “the anointed.” Jesus was
anointed to be our Savior. Christ, from the Greek, has the same
meaning.
The Spirit of the Lord
God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good
tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to
them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
(Isaiah 61:1 – 2;
see also verses 3 – 4.)
Redeemer.One who pays the price to free another from some kind of
prison or bondage.
And now the year of my
redeemed is come; and they shall mention the loving kindness of their
Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them according to his
goodness, and according to his loving kindness, forever and ever.
(D&C 133:52.)
Savior.One who delivers others from some kind of danger or crisis
from which they cannot deliver themselves.
And the angel spake unto
me, saying: These last records ... shall make known to all kindreds,
tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal
Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto
him, or they cannot be saved. (1 Nephi 13:40.)
Lamb
of God.A name
for Christ which refers to His humility and His sacrifice for us.
Primarily used by the Apostle John and Nephi, who both saw the same
vision (1 Nephi 14:24).
The next day John seeth
Jesus coming unto him, and said; Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world! (John 1:29.)
The Rock.A
name for Christ which refers to His strength and reliability as our
sure foundation.
And now, my sons,
remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is
Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when
the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the
whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat
upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the
gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are
built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build
they cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12.)
Healer.One who brings about physical and spiritual health in others.
Christ heals us primarily by taking our wounds upon Himself and
overcoming them.
Surely he hath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for
our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are
healed. (Isaiah 53:4–5.)
A
related name is used by Malachi who prophesies with beautiful imagery
that the “Sun of righteousness [shall] arise with healing in
his wings.” (Malachi 4:2.)
Counselor.One who advises another and provides valuable insight and
guidance.
Wherefore, brethren, seek
not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For
behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in
justice, and in great mercy, over all his works. (Jacob 4:10.)
Messenger
of the Covenant. A name which expresses how Jesus both teaches
the gospel covenant of salvation, and makes it possible through His
atonement.
The Lord, whom ye seek,
shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the
covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord
of hosts. (Malachi 3:1.)
Prince
of Peace. A ruler who exemplifies and promotes peace among His
people.
For unto us a child is
born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his
shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the
increase of his government and peace there shall be no end....
(Isaiah 9:6 – 7.)
Mediator.One who intercedes to bring about reconciliation between two
estranged parties.
And now, my sons, I would
that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great
commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal
life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit. (2 Nephi 2:28.)
My
Strength and My Song.A name
that calls to mind the enabling power of the atonement,
as well as the rejoicing and praise of those who are redeemed through
Christ.
Behold, God is my
salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is
my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2.)
This
name seems especially appropriate at Christmas time, as we celebrate
the birth of Jesus through beautiful songs and carols of praise.
Emmanuel.A name taken from the Hebrew words meaning “God with
us,” signifying that God Himself would come to live among us to
save us.
Behold, a virgin shall be
with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23.)
May
we remember our Lord and the meaning of His wonderful names at
Christmas time and always. Merry Christmas!
Kathryn Grant is a user assistance professional with a passion
for usability and process
improvement. She also loves family history and enjoys the challenge and
reward of building her family tree.
As a child, she lived outside the United States for four years because of her father's job. This experience fueled her natural love of words and language, and also taught her to appreciate other cultures.
Kathryn values gratitude, teaching, learning, differences, and unity. She loves looking at star-filled skies, reading mind-stretching books, listening to contemporary Christian music, attending the temple, and eating fresh raspberries.
Kathryn teaches Sunday family history classes at the BYU Family History Library, and presents frequently at family history events. For more information, visit her Family History Learning Resources page