“His mother (Elisabeth) spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John….” He (Zechariah asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:60, 62)

What’s in a name?

Choosing a name for your baby has a lifelong impact and is one of your first big parenting decisions, but it’s also a special, meaningful process for parents to experience! Whether you choose a name with personal significance or simply pick one you like the sound of. For centuries parents chose Biblical names, hopefully praying that their child’s life would reflect the meaning of that name by their lifestyle and actions.

This coming Sunday, Christians around the world will celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist. They will hear the Gospel tidings about the naming of this wondrous son by his elderly parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth.

“His name is John” — the name John means “the Lord is gracious.” In the birth of John and in the birth of Jesus the Messiah we see the grace of God breaking forth into a world broken by sin, death and the power of the devil and without hope in this life or in eternity.

John’s miraculous birth shows the mercy and favor of God in preparing his people for the coming of its Lord and Savior, the Christ. John the Baptist was the sign that points to the coming of the Messiah. How important is the sign to us?

When Britain was in danger of invasion early in World War II, its citizens were told to destroy all signposts and direction indicators in the countryside in order to confuse enemy paratroopers should they land. In 1944 as soon as the danger had passed, the signs were immediately restored, since they were really vital to the successful life of the country.

Just as we cannot travel about the country without signs, so we cannot make our journey through life without some laws or directives to tell us the right direction to follow. A disordered life is like a journey that has no road signs. Fortunately, God has given us clear signs within his Holy Word, the Bible from Genesis to Revelations directing us our redemption in and through our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

John the Baptist is a sign of the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus. However, today, what is the significance of John the Baptist to us? God involved John the Baptist as our guide. Often we are so wrapped up within our own self-centeredness, our ideas, beliefs and perceptions that we fail to see the truth of our redemption. We fail to see and acknowledge the sins of thoughts, words, and actions in our lives. We don’t think or feel that we need God’s forgiveness or believe “in the forgiveness of sins.”

What is the significance of John the Baptist and his name “the Lord is gracious” for our lives? He revealed the redeeming and amazing grace of God as a sign pointing us to Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)

Happy Birthday! John the Baptist!

Chopp is a clinical chaplain emeritus, MDiv, BCC, from Marshall