THAT BEAUTIFUL NAME

          "You shall call His name JESUS," Joseph was told (Matthew 1:21), as was Mary (Luke 1:31). In His miraculous conception and His birth, "The Word [God the Son] became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1, 14).   What a beautiful, wonderful and matchless name, the sweetest name of all to every believer.  And in Philippians 2:10 we are told that someday ... "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth."  It was this beautiful name that was the motivation for Jean Perry (1865-1935) to pen the words of this week's hymn choice.  Little is known of Jean Perry, beyond her name, and the years of her birth and death.  But an interesting story centers around the tune which was written by Mabel Johnston Camp. Apparently, the hymn poem was given to her by the author and she attempted to compose a tune to suit it. Dissatisfied with the result, she tore up the manuscript and dropped it in the waste basket. But her husband came by, some time later, and spotted the scraps. On a whim, he took them up and patiently fitted the pieces back together. Norman Camp believed the music provided a lovely setting for the words, and he convinced his wife to have the song published. And as a result this hymn has ministered to many over the years.  As we enter the Christmas season this year, the words of this hymn should remind us again of the miraculous birth and impact of Jesus.  The author went on to share how He became the Savior when He bore our sins on the cross of Calvary.  May we never forget this amazing truth.  And finally the author shares how this truth was whispered in her heart many years ago, how to Jesus she gave her life and how she was freed from the power of sin.  Hopefully that is also your testimony.  And if it is, join in singing this testimony hymn this week.  Be reminded of how beautiful and matchless is the name and power of Jesus!

1      I know of a name, 

A beautiful name,

That angels bro't down to earth;

They whispered it low 

One night long ago,

To a maiden of lowly birth.

Refrain:

That beautiful name, 

That beautiful name,

From sin has power to free us!

That beautiful name, 

That wonderful name,

That matchless name is Jesus!

2      I know of a name, 

A beautiful name,

That unto a Babe was given;

The stars glittered bright 

Thro'out that glad night,

And angels praised God in heav'n. 

Refrain:

That beautiful name, 

That beautiful name,

From sin has power to free us!

That beautiful name, 

That wonderful name,

That matchless name is Jesus!

3      The One of that name, 

My Savior became,

My Savior of Calvary;

My sins nailed Him there, 

My burdens He bare.

He suffered all this for me. 

Refrain:

That beautiful name, 

That beautiful name,

From sin has power to free us!

That beautiful name, 

That wonderful name,

That matchless name is Jesus!

4      I love that blest name, 

That wonderful name,

Made higher than all in heaven;

'Twas whispered, I know, 

In my heart long ago,

To Jesus my life I've given. 

Refrain:

That beautiful name, 

That beautiful name,

From sin has power to free us!

That beautiful name, 

That wonderful name,

That matchless name is Jesus!

Listen to it here    BEAUTIFUL