names

Yesterday my sermon was about the importance of names.

Matthew 1 begins with a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. Mark 1 begins with baptism, when our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke 1 begins with an angel telling Zechariah he would have a son, to be named John. And John 1 says "In the beginning...", reminding us of Genesis when God called things into creation, named them, and gave Adam his first assignment--to name all the animals.

And because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday this week, we talked about His all important name. Jesus, which means "God saves." And Immanuel, "God is with us." Not "for" us. But "with" us. Dwelling among us. Walking the earth. Filling our hearts.

I also shared that Katie means "pure". A name I've always been intimidated by. A name I never thought I could live up to.

But through this year of self-exploration, of embracing fears and family and lessons and ordinary days, I've begun to think of "pure" not as "perfect" but as simply being me. Purely Katie. With all my fears and mistakes and triumphs and attempts to find what makes me uniquely me. Doing my best to live into the fullness of who God created me to be. Accepting that He knew I would never be perfect and He created me anyway. Loved me anyway. Named me "pure" anyway.

And so to be pure, to be Pure Katie, I simply need to embrace the world. As me. With my eyes and heart. My passion and purpose. My all.

Which sounds far less intimidating than trying to be perfect.

EMBRACE NAMES.

What does your name mean?