New Year’s Day Devotion: The Majestic Name of Jesus
Happy New Year, everyone!
We are going to start our new year in the name of Jesus. We remember our baptismal beginning of our lives - by God’s grace and into His name: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps you know January 1 as the day many Christians recognize the name of Jesus, because his parents affirmed his name at his circumcision, Luke 2:21: On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
May God be with us as we consider the glorious name He has given to us.
The Majesty of Psalm 8
Check out Psalm 8. The psalmist starts by declaring how glorious and majestic God’s name is in all the earth. When he looks up at the heavens—the work of God’s fingers, the moon, and the stars that God set in place—he asks, "What is flesh and blood humanity?" By comparison to other amazing and great features in God’s creation, especially in terms of size, we humans appear pretty small.
Yet, this is a Messianic psalm. The Messiah is a title for the great Choice of God for a Savior of the entire human race, this "flesh" that God cares so much for. It speaks to Jesus' own life—how He would suffer and die, and yet God raised Him up and exalted Him. The name of Jesus is very special because He didn't just come down to earth; He was also exalted by God.
The songwriter rejoices in the fact that God paid so much attention to our humanity in Christ, lifting us up in Him and putting all His enemies underneath His feet. Psalm 8 even mentions that the praises of little children drive away enemies. In Jesus’ name, just saying and praying the truths of the name of Jesus makes the devil run and flee; Jesus has that kind of power and comfort. Not only is Jesus the Lord of Mercy, He is also the Lord of Might. He is the One who overcame Satan, our enemy. He really did it and He really has and owns a name that backs up its meaning - One who saves!
Opening Prayer
Eternal Son of God, on this day you were called Jesus, a name that proclaims you to be the Savior of all people. Give us strength in the new year to live each day to the honor of your name, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scriptural Reflections
We have a few scriptures to enjoy today. The first is from Philippians 2:9-13. This is the second half of a very familiar section. The first half describes the lowliness of our Savior—leaving the glory of heaven for our redemption and becoming obedient unto death for our sins.
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Paul then makes an application for us: continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. This is the nature of your year: relying on the God who works in us.
We also look at the Gospels, specifically Matthew 1:21 and Luke 2:21. Before Jesus was even conceived, the angel visited Mary and Joseph to give Him His name and its meaning:
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
Reflecting on the Past and Looking Forward
2025 is now behind us; it is history. Maybe you found a 2025 year-end video recap - isn’t it amazing how much happens in a year? Perhaps you are impressed with how much your own life changed in a year. Some may be thrilling like a new relationship or job opportunity; some may be normal, like getting taller or changing grades or maintaining your routines. Some may be forgettable or even regrettable.
Regardless, there’s no need to leave any of 2025 untouched by reflection. It’s good to talk about it, but the real key is to season your thoughts and conversation with the Word of God. Invite Jesus into the reflection - that’s what his name is for! To be used - every characteristic and quality of his life and work is for you! His real life has already touched each part of your real life. Acknowledge that He was already the most meaningful part of each day of 2025. And He is already there with you at the reflection table.
That acknowledgment changes how you express your view. How would you talk about 2025 with Jesus at the table? He planned and purposed it, and He blessed it in His own way. Sometimes we are like the Israelites in the desert—complaining and grumbling—but the wilderness was exactly where God took them to teach them dependency.
A Name Tied to Truth
Biblical names often reflected circumstances, but they also reflected truth. Jesus was named "Savior" not just because it sounded nice, but because it was a "truth event."
I know you don't want to live in lies; you want to live in the truth of the name of Jesus. Everything we think, say, and do is brought to align with the fact that He is our Savior. His name is more than just what you call Him; it is what you call upon Him for…in prayer and trust. You have a weapon in that name. Just like the child in Psalm 8, you have protection and safety in the name of Jesus. He lives up to His name. It is a name that rules and will never disappoint you. This is your new year and your life!
A New Year Hymn: #368, Now Greet the Swiftly Changing Year
1 Now greet the swiftly changing year
with joy and penitence sincere.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
another year of grace.
2 Remember now the Son of God
and how he shed his infant blood.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
another year of grace.
3 This Jesus came to end sin’s war;
this name of names for us he bore.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
another year of grace.
4 His love abundant far exceeds
the volume of a whole year’s needs.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
another year of grace.
5 With him as Lord to lead our way
in want and in prosperity,
what need we fear in earth or space
in this new year of grace?
6 “All glory be to God on high,
and peace on earth!” the angels cry.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
another year of grace.
7 God, Father, Son, and Spirit, hear!
To all our pleas incline your ear;
upon our lives rich blessing trace
in this new year of grace.
Text: © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 715837
Closing Blessing
“The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Happy New Year!