A Name for Our Son

Arthur Neale Van Sciver

Arthur. For the past few generations, the Van Sciver family has named their first born son Arthur. They all have different middle names, but Artie's father's name is Arthur as well as his grandfather. Early on in both pregnancies, as we discussed names for our future children, we agreed it would be easier to choose a name for our firstborn son. We highly value our family and thought it would be a privilege to continue passing down the Arthur name. The Van Sciver Arthur men have been men of character. They are men deeply committed to their families. And they are men who have impacted and inspired many who have come into their lives. For those of you who don't know, the eldest Arthur passed away in February 2010 and we lost Artie's father unexpectedly early last year, right before Adele was born. It felt even more appropriate in light of these events. I have had the overwhelming sense that this Arthur, no matter how short or long his life on this earth, will inspire many towards a higher calling, bringing honor to the name Arthur just like his father, grandfather and great grandfather have done.

Neale. This is my maiden name. While trying to land on a name this week, I realized I didn't know the meaning of the name I grew up with. We looked at a few name databases and discovered Neale is of Celtic origin and means "champion". In the Bible, specifically the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah foretold about a Champion, One that would fight against injustice and sin, yet gently lead those who would follow the Lord: "The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies." (42:13 NIV). What is our greatest enemy? Death. And it's what we all deserve: "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23a). But in the New Testament, we see that prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, winning that battle at the cross: "'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54b -57). Although we deserve death, "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23b). Jesus is the Champion over death. As a follower of Christ, I do not have to fear, because death is not the end. That settled it for me. This boy is a champion in my heart because Jesus is the Champion over the grave. His middle name is a reminder to us that the battle is not lost when he dies. We can have much hope in what is to come.

One of the things I particularly loved about the name: he shares his name with his Daddy and Mommy. Arthur Richard Van Sciver & Kittery Neale Van Sciver. He is a part of us and will always be with us. And a part of us will go with him when he leaves us.

I am so very thankful we know he is a boy. And I am so very thankful we get to give him a name. Being able to call him Arthur this past week made our relationship with him much more intimate, as we have shared our hearts, thoughts and experiences with him. And I am so very thankful that death does not have to be the end.

We spent the past week in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We took a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it was on this outing we decided on this name.

Me and my precious, precious Arthur Neale.

My sweet, little Arthur. My precious son. Your Mommy and Daddy love you so. Your Champion loves you even more. Much more than you will ever know.