Katherine Joy Dixon

The name Katherine is associated with the Greek word καθαρος (katharos), which means "pure,” and the name Joy obviously signifies joy or jubilation.  We both liked this name right from the beginning of the pregnancy, even though we have discussed others along the way.  So why did we choose this name?  First of all, this is our firstborn child, and we are so thankful that the Lord has given her to us.  She is truly our “pure joy”!  But secondly, and most importantly, we pray that she will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of all pure joy and that she will lead others to know Him as well.  We ask that as you read this jubilant announcement of a new life entering the world, you would stop and consider the saving power of Jesus Christ and how He is able to give true meaning to each life.  Below are some Bible passages which we have treasured that contain references to purity and joy.

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Philippians 4:4-8 (NASB)

 

There have been a lot of details that have needed to fall into place surrounding the birth of our daughter.  We know that God is good and that we can trust His plan and His timing, so we have been continually presenting our requests before Him during this time.  Also, for Meredith, the uncertainty of childbirth could at times provoke anxiety or fear, but she sought to dwell on the things mentioned above and to entrust herself to the Lord.

 

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”  Titus 2:11-14 (NASB)

 

God, through the saving power of Jesus Christ, is the only one able to purify us.  We rejoice in the fact that we can have a relationship with the living God because of the provision He has made for us through His Son!