By Rhonda Stinson
“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” ~William Shakespeare
Every year around Christmastime, I think about my deceased uncle. His birth name was Noel Franklin Stinson. He was born on Christmas day, hence the first name. He didn’t want to be called Noel so most people called him Franklin or Frankie, except my dad, who referred to him as Moose.
Uncle Frankie was named after his father, Frank. Naming a child after a family member is common. My mom wanted to name me Jillain, but dad didn’t like that name. They finally settled on Rhonda, which was one of mom’s relatives. Dad’s name is Ron, so many people think I was named after him. Surnames hold much meaning too. When someone tells me their last name, I might be able to figure out where they came from, friends, family, where they live, court records, employer, and so much more.
We recently celebrated Christmas, a special time that takes us back to the birth of Jesus (Yeshua). “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). In verse 23, He is called Immanuel. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).
These passages are so telling about WHO this Christ child is. Jesus in full humanity dwelt among us as God in full deity. Tidings of comfort and joy and awe and reverence were on display that glorious day of birth! I’ll bet even the sheep were singing alongside the angels. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelations 4:8).
Notice that “holy” is said three times. This reveals that God is holy to the highest degree and beyond. He is so holy and glorious that there will be no sunlight in heaven because He will be so bright in holiness and glory that He will be the light. The light of the star which pointed the magi to Bethlehem was created and lit at the beginning of creation by the same One they would visit.
As I think about all the people involved in the nativity, I try to imagine their emotions. I’m incapable. Oh how I would love to have a diary written by Mary! Only one woman would ever know what it was like to carry the Son of God. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She would come to know this child as Teacher, Savior, The Lamb, The Bread of Life, The Way, The Light, The Rock, and so many more personal names.
As we into enter 2025, let us reflect and think about the ways that God has revealed Himself to us. What names has He used over the past year to speak to you and to draw you near? Did you know that God has special names for you? You are His daughter, a royal priestess, His chosen vessel, His beloved, His habitation, a treasure, and a minister of Christ. The next time that you feel unloved or feel like you’re not enough, remember the One Who created you!
Immanuel has come! God is with us! Let us enter into the new year with our eyes intent upon the Light ahead of us. He knows the way and wants to lead us every step of the way. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23).
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books: Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit ***
