What's in a name?

I've just been reading about the Chinese couple who wanted to call their baby @. They said that they felt this signified their love for the child.

It got me thinking about the whole issue of names. It's something that couples want to discuss about the wedding service, particularly if they are widely known by a shortened version of their Christian name. Would Granny be offended if I'm referred to as Dave/Bob/Kate for example? Because actually that is who we are to each other!

Sometimes our whole issue of identity can rest upon our name. It was even more so in the Bible times when names had a meaning and you might have to live with a heavy burden if your name meant something terrible - like Jacob which meant 'deceiver'. Fortunately God was very gracious and gave him a new name as a way of restoring him and granting a new status and a new role.

A woman has a choice when marrying of keeping her old surname (which is perfectly legal) or of taking on her husband's name. Alternatively both parties might take on a double-barrelled name consisting of both surnames and start a whole new family identity.

As far as the church is concerned this is not an issue. We simply feel that you are joined together as one and you now belong to one another. The rituals in the service are for the relatives to let go of you and promise to bless and support you as you leave them and become a new family.

As far as God is concerned you belong to him already. The Bible is full of promises like 'I have called you by name, you are mine'. So - as you make promises to each other and ask God's blessing on your lives (this is part of the marriage service) why not consider inviting him into your hearts as you start out afresh. Third parties are usually not a great idea in a relationship but this one I can recommend. If you read the Bible you'll find he has lots of names - but the invitation is clear. We can call him 'Father'.

(Not to be confused with your dad!)This one will never give you away.