When I first started consulting for the animal hospital, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the staff’s size and trying to remember everyone’s job. It was important because I needed to understand how everyone’s role played a part in the company’s bottom line. As a 24-7 hospital, the staff is continuously rotating, and many with a variable schedule. It was assuring for me to know I wasn’t the only one who had trouble keeping tabs on who was who.

While organizing a department, a department head told me to “Speak with “Natalie 1. She can tell you more about that.” A bit puzzled, I walked over and asked another employee where I could find “Natalie.” “Which, Natalie?” the employee asked. “What do you mean? They told me Natalie could help.” I replied. “Yea, but is it Natalie 1, Natalie 2, or Natalie 3?” At that point, I was even more confused. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to get back you.” “O.K., well, let me know because I think Natalie 2 is out today, and Natalie 1 may be at lunch.”

Curious about the situation, I researched the meaning and popularity of the name. If you don’t know, the Social Security office tracks name popularity by years. After guessing their age ranges, I discovered the name “Natalie” name was popular in the late 1990s and grew in popularity into the early 2000s. The name’s origin comes from the Russian name Natalia, meaning “birthday” or “Christmas.” It became a popular French and English name after the Ballet Russe came to Paris in the early 1900s. I’m sure their parents assigned them the name Natalie as they felt it best fit their daughters.

This story reminds me of the importance a name had in biblical times. In the days of the Bible, names were significant, more than just labels. To ancient Hebrews and Babylonians, nothing existed until it had a name. Names expressed character. Children’s names either reflected something significant or expected to live up to their name. This tradition played great significance when the angel of the Lord told Mary to name her son Jesus. She gave him a one-of-a-kind name.

Today think about the greatness that is the name Jesus and all that it encompasses.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Luke 1:31-33.

Pray:

Pray and ask God to help you understand the name of Jesus.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Continue to pray the verse and meditate on the thought:  How does calling on the name of Jesus invoke love, power and hope for you?

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.