Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
“In the ancient world,” says Pearce Reed, “names were serious business. Jesus was born into a tradition in which the giving of a name has profound meaning.” She then explores the two names given to Mary’s child — Jesus and Emmanuel — and their deeper meanings.
Rev. Leanne Pearce Reed is co-pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master of divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, and a master of education in counseling from the University of Montevallo.