Just a number?

As we approach Christmas, I find myself thinking about the difference between being a number and a name.  There are so many times when we feel like just a number – for tax, passports, bank accounts and so much more.  This year, many of us have become familiar with yet another ten digit number – our NHS number, handy to give for vaccines, boosters, covid tests etc! 

 

People tend not to feel significant when they are just a number, but with God things are completely different.  In the eyes of many, not least the Romans holding the census which caused them to go to Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were just another unimportant Palestinian couple.  But God saw things very differently, sending an angel to greet them each by name (see Matthew and Luke for details) and tell them what was about to happen.

 

I wonder – do you ever feel insignificant, just a number, or maybe ‘just another brick in the wall’ as Pink Floyd sang?  If so, then it’s refreshing to know that God knows each of us by name and we are precious to Him.

 

I’ll add one more thing about names.  God instructed Joseph in advance what name he should give his son: ‘Jesus’ means ‘God saves’ so the clue about what Jesus will do is embedded in his name.  Even his nickname ‘Emmanuel’ tells us something about him, meaning ‘God with us’.  I’m so glad that He is.

Wishing you His best,

David