The day we found out we were having a boy, my parents asked the meaning of Jack’s name. I googled “Jasper” and “Augustus” and discovered the following…
“Jasper” means “treasure holder”. It is a variant of “Gaspar”, meaning “he who guards the treasure”. It is commonly believed that Gaspar was the name of one of the three wise men, who followed the Star to Bethlehem and presented Jesus with precious gifts.
“Augustus” means “great” or “magnificent”. It is a title popularly given to Roman emperors and German princely families. Octavius was given the title “Augustus” when he became the first Roman emperor; we find mention of him in Luke 2 (Caesar Augustus). Because he issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem, where Joseph’s family originated.
A few thoughts struck me as I began to consider the meaning of our son’s name. The obvious one is how neat it is that both names are reflected in the Christmas Story! The next is that I want Jack’s life to reflect these meanings.
When I first read “treasure holder”, I was reminded of these verses in Matthew:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:44-46)
I pray that Jack will find his ultimate Treasure in Christ, not in earthly “treasures” that do not last. I pray that Jack will guard this Treasure, hold onto Jesus, and let go of the things in his life and the things in this world that hinder him from keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus.
Secondly, I pray that Jack will understand and walk in the true meaning of “greatness”. Jesus said: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Greatness, contrary to what the world tells us, is not about power and money and image. God’s Kingdom is “upside down” from ours! True greatness is reflected in humility and service.
Before we knew Jack was going to be a boy, I kept having thoughts and dreams about him. One vision came to me during church: I saw him as a young man, playing the guitar and worshipping God. I don’t know what the future holds for Jack, but regardless of his musical ability, I pray that he becomes a worshipper of God in spirit and in truth. I pray that he will invite others into the worship of our Great God who provided us the way of reconciliation to Him through Jesus Christ.
For those of you who are curious, we chose this name because my great-grandfather’s name was Ornan Jasper McCaskill and Randy’s dad’s name was Jackie Augusta Thomas. We’re calling him “Jack” because C.S. Lewis’ nickname was Jack, and he is one of our favorite writers (plus, “Jack” is a cute nickname). We can’t wait to meet him!!!
You know I can’t wait to meet him, although I was secretly hoping you would have a girl, what boy likes wearing strawberries on his t-shirt? There’s always next time!
Could it be that He is only waiting there to see
If I will learn to love the dreams that He has dreamed for me
Can’t imagine what the future holds
But I’ve already made my choice
And this is where I stand
Until He moves me on
And I will listen to His voice ………..
We don’t know what the future holds for Jack, but we know the One who does and we pray with you that Jack will love the dreams that both He and you have dreamed!
p.s. Daddy says it’s finally good to be getting a “Jack” in the family!
Excited about a new blog to be addicted to; but even more excited about Jack! I agree with your dad… glad to have a Jack. I love his name!
I cannot wait to see and meet him! I hope he likes tea when he gets bigger. LOL! Congratulations!
so i know this is a late response to this awesome post… but i’m sitting in the computer lab with tears welling in my eyes reading this. i love you. i love jack. can’t wait to meet him.