“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. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

Matthew 1:22-25

A Christmas Baby

Gently guiding the brightly colored puzzle piece into place, I outwardly groaned and thought, “God, help me make it to Christmas Eve dinner.” I had just finished getting dressed for Christmas Eve dinner at my mother-in-law’s house when I sat down to work on a puzzle I had started at the beginning of the week. I was 41 weeks pregnant. Puzzling and prayer were helping to pass the time as I waited for my baby to be born. I rubbed my stomach and thought about the baby inside as I remembered our past name-picking session for this little babe.

“I like Emma,” Jon said which is both “saying a lot” for Jonathan and saying a lot of Jonathan. He’d given this some thought and was willing to voice his often quiet opinion to his outspoken and strong-willed wife. “Hmm...” was all I could say at the moment.

Names mean a lot to me. The meaning of the name means even more. Our family had several Sarahs, Elizabeths, and Louises. Our family was big on future generations carrying on the names of the previous generation. My father was Alan Junior. My mother a Louise. My husband and his brothers were all named after biblical characters. However, I wasn’t just interested in carrying on names. This baby’s name had to mean something. It had to empower her. But as a parent, you’re taking a huge risk naming a child something that means something to you. You hope the name will mean something to them. I decided to take the risk.

A strong kick to the left side brought me back from my reverie as I fought to both catch my breath and laugh at the strength of this child. I had done a Google search to find that Emma means “whole” or “universal,” which sounded cool but didn’t resonate with me or what I wanted Emma’s name to mean.

I decided that puzzling was getting me nowhere in my puzzling over Emma’s name, so I reached for my Bible. It was December 24th, (Emma was supposed to be due the 18th), and I decided it would be nice to read the nativity story. So, I started reading Matthew, chapter 1. As I progressed through the chapter, I came to verses 22-25:

“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. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”

I stopped reading. Mary was to give Jesus a name that meant something. His name would forever mean savior, and his spirit would be with us. I mouthed the name, “Immanuel.” “God with us,” the scriptures read. “Immanuel” sort of looked like a drawn out version of Emma. A warmth spread in my heart. I knew that my little girl would be strong, but nothing would make her stronger than knowing that God was with her. I quickly underlined the verses in my Bible, and like Mary, treasured in my heart that I had found a meaning for the name “Emma.” A strange sensation spread across my lower back, and I knew I wouldn’t be making Christmas Eve dinner. Oh, how I was looking forward to the Mastersons’ annual Christmas Eve steak dinner with rolls, gravy, yams, stuffing, and green beans. Suddenly, I found my situation comical. My daughter who is literally named after the Lord Jesus Christ had decided to be born on his birthday. And, she was keeping me from my celebration of our coming King. At that moment, her name no longer meant, “God with us,” but “Stealer of food.” (As a teenager, it became “Stealer of my clothes.” Different story. Same outcome.)

Early in the wee hours of Christmas morning, Emma was born. And while her name conjures so many meanings, emotions, and memories, she will always be my daughter who means, “God with us (her).” She is my Christmas baby.

Names are important. Names mean many things. And, the name above all names, who lights our dark places, who heals our deepest wounds, and who knows our far away thoughts, is with all of us, always.

Merry Christmas!

Jonathan & Amelia Masterson