It Shall Be Called…
If you’re not a diehard Oldsmobile fan, approaching an Olds 4-4-2 owner at a car show can be intimidating. What do you call the thing? Sometimes 4-4-2 was a package. Other times it was a separate model designation. Sometimes there were dashes, other times it was just 442. Sometimes the numbers represented a 4-speed manual, but later versions, like the fifth-generation 1987 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 (based on the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme), had GM’s 200r4 4-speed automatic. Tread lightly. And whatever you do, don’t bring up “Hurst” unless you have plenty of spare time.
Yet even without knowing the exact name, and even from a difference, you can tell these things are special.
Someone else gets a lot of names: Jesus, in the famous account of the first Christmas in Luke 2. The star of the show – Jesus – isn’t actually called “Jesus” very often:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10-12)
“Christ” isn’t Jesus’ last name. “The Christ” is Greek for “the Anointed One.” In Hebrew, it would be “the Messiah,” and they mean the same thing (there are some political connotations – picture David and other kings being anointed – so Jesus himself didn’t use “Christ” much). This is the name the Shepherds had on their lips when they first heard about Jesus, and this may have been the only name used when they met him. Mary had been told his name would be Jesus, which is Greek for Joshua (meaning “The Lord Saves”). But, in keeping with Jewish custom, she wouldn’t officially name him until the 8th day (Luke 2:21-38).
Christ? Josh? The Lord? The Bible is just getting started in listing names for Jesus. Mary is told he would be “the Son of the Most High” (Luke 2:32) and “the Son of God” (Luke 2:35). Isaiah called him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). They’re all a little different, but they’re all accurate. Throughout the Bible, names for Jesus reflect a person’s most urgent needs: a savior, a counselor (or judge), or a Father – an eternal protector and provider.
What name will you use for Jesus this Christmas? If your life needs peace, think of him as your Prince of Peace. If something else seems more important than him, picture The Anointed One ruling over everything. If your guilt is keeping you from enjoying the holiday, remember that The Lord Saves, and his life, death, and resurrection lived up to that name.
The fifth-generation Oldsmobile 4-4-2 would be the last one to power the rear wheels. It had a 4-bbl carburetor (and dual exhausts) and its 307 cubic-inch V8 made 170 horsepower. Oh and somewhere around 255 lb-ft of torque. Call it what you want, but you can’t call it slow. Especially if it just showed you its taillights.
John V16 is the intersection of God and cars. Please support our work and donate a V16-powered 1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen to John V16. Or share this article with a friend.
