Hello, friends. Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, and I’m so glad you’re joining me today as we continue our Advent series, God’s Love Made Visible.
Last time, we talked about the love of God stepping down from heaven—Immanuel, God with us. Today, we’re going to look at another name given to Jesus and what it reveals about why He came and what He came to do.
Let’s start with Matthew 1:21. The angel of the Lord says to Joseph:
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
That’s where we’re going to focus today—the name that saves.
When the angel appeared to Joseph, he didn’t just tell him what to name the child. He told him why this child was coming into the world—to save His people from their sins.
Now, the name Jesus wasn’t uncommon in those days. It’s the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, or Joshua, which means “The Lord saves.”
But here’s the difference—this child wasn’t just given a name that pointed to God’s salvation. He was God’s salvation.
This is what sets Christianity apart from every other religion. Every other faith is about what we need to do to reach God—how we can work our way up to Him through good deeds or rituals.
But the gospel is the opposite. It’s about what God has done to reach us. It’s about Him coming down, not as a judge, but as a Savior.
Romans 5:8 says:
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Notice that phrase—while we were still sinners.
Jesus didn’t wait for us to get our act together. He didn’t come for the perfect, the righteous, or the ones who have it all figured out. He came for the broken. He came for the lost. He came for people just like you and me.
And here’s the beautiful truth: His name isn’t just about what He did 2,000 years ago. It’s about what He’s still doing today.
Jesus saves.
Not saved—past tense. Not might save—future tense. But saves—right here, right now.
So what does this mean for us?
First, it means there is no sin too big for Jesus to forgive.
You might feel like you’ve messed up too much, like you’ve wandered too far. But Jesus didn’t come to condemn you—He came to save you.
1 John 1:9 gives us this promise:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
That’s the power of His name. It’s not based on our worthiness—it’s based on His faithfulness.
Second, it means salvation is a gift we have to receive.
Ephesians 2:8–9 tells us:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
We can’t earn salvation. We can’t work for it. All we can do is receive it by faith.
And if you haven’t done that yet, let me encourage you—don’t wait. This Christmas, let the greatest gift you receive be the gift of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let’s not forget what this season is really about.
It’s not about presents under the tree. It’s not about decorations or meals or traditions—though those things are wonderful.
It’s about a name.
The name that was spoken to Joseph in a dream.The name that was proclaimed by angels to shepherds in the field.The name that demons fear and sinners cling to.
The name of Jesus.
Acts 4:12 says:
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
So let me ask you—what does that name mean to you?
Is it just a word, or is it your refuge?
Is it just a title, or is it your testimony?
Is it just something you sing about at Christmas, or is it the foundation of your faith?
Whatever you’re facing today, whatever burdens you’re carrying, there is power in the name of Jesus.
He came to save. And He’s still saving.
Let us pray:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save us. Thank You for a love that never gives up and a grace that reaches us right where we are.
Lord, I pray for anyone listening today who feels far from You. Remind them that no one is too far gone for Your saving grace.
Fill our hearts with gratitude this Christmas as we celebrate the name that is above every name—the name of Jesus.
In His name we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I hope this message has reminded you of the hope and salvation we have in Jesus.
Be sure to tune in next time as we talk about the transforming power of love. Until then, may God’s peace and grace be with you.
God bless you.
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