His Name Shall Be Called . . .

But who do you say that I am?

Luke 9:20

Strange how many people feel depressed on Christmas. It’s called the “Christmas blues,” or seasonal affective disorder. Whatever it is, if you’re down in the dumps today, stop thinking about Christmas. Think instead about Christ.

He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. He is the Master, the Bridegroom, the Good Shepherd, the Holy One of God. His name is “Emmanuel—God with us.” His name was called Jesus. John introduced Him as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The wise men recognized Him as the “King of the Jews,” and even the demons called Him “the Holy One of God” (Matthew 2:2; Mark 1:24, respectively).

“Is this not the carpenter?” asked the people of Nazareth in Mark 6:3. “Could this be the Christ?” asked the woman by the well in John 4:29. Thomas called Him, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

Today isn’t about Christmas but about Christ. It isn’t about presents but about His presence. You may or may not have family nearby, but your Father is close at hand, and your faith is more important than your feelings. He sets us free from chains we can never remove ourselves. He is our hope.

Don’t worry about celebrating Christmas. Just celebrate Jesus!