What's in a Name?

name: a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known.

Have you ever thought about your name? Where did it come from? In most cases it came from your parent(s).

Let's say your name is Joseph. Have you ever asked your parents why they gave you that name? Perhaps, they just liked the name but usually there is a deeper connection than that. Perhaps they hoped you would emulate someone else they already knew with that name?

Helaman, a Book of Mormon prophet, named his children for that very reason:

   "Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

   Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them." (Helaman 5:6-7)

However, the name that is brought up in the book of mormon more frequently than any other is Jesus Christ. I have found no other book that teaches so powerfully and so frequently of the Savior. It is a modern witness that Jesus is the Christ which is the most important name because:

    "...Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved; wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day; wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father." (D&C 18:23-25)

May we continually remember him and be grateful for his sacrifice so that we may return to our Father in Heaven is my hope at the close of this month of thanksgiving.