They Called Him Jesus

"For to us a child is born, 
    to us a son is given; 
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 
    and his name shall be called 
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 

    Each of us celebrates Christmas differently. We all have different traditions, different family dynamics; some of us don't celebrate Christmas at all. I want to share with you how I celebrate Christmas, what it means to me, and why I wrote the song, "They Called Him Jesus". So, let's jump right in! 

    Christmas is, by far, my favorite holiday. Not only because of the great food, seeing all my family, and giving and receiving presents, but because it is the celebration of the birth of my Savior, Jesus. I added a Bible verse at the top of this blog, and I want to talk a little bit about why I included it. This passage encapsulates so much joy. When I read it, I think about the people that were anxiously waiting for the Messiah, yet He was nothing like what they had expected. Have you ever received a present from someone that you didn't expect to get? You're surprised this person even thought about you, much less gave you a present! You open it, and you have a choice to make, receive it with joy and thanksgiving, or disregard the giver's kindness and thoughtfulness in giving you such a present. Many people saw and see Christ in this light. Some judged based upon His outward appearance and decided He was not the king they were awaiting, while others listened to His humble instruction and saw the miracles He performed. They truly believed He was and is the Son of God! The truth in this passage and the decision we have to make is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.  

    So, what does this all have to do with the writing of "They Called Him Jesus"? I'm so glad you asked! ;) Some songs can be a long and agonizing process to write, while others come easily and just want to be written. This was one of those songs that came naturally because it came from such a genuine place in my heart. The thought of writing a Christmas song has always been daunting to me. What could I possibly have to say that hasn't already been said? I finally decided I'd just try and began thinking about what Christmas means to me. I love the traditions - the tree, presents, the food, decorations, family, shopping, the FOOD - but, when you take all that away, what remains? Jesus! He's why the holiday exists. He's why we come together. He's why we give gifts! Christ should always be at the center of CHRISTmas. So, why don't I make Him the center? I get caught up in selfishly wanting every item on my list handed to me Christmas morning; I want the food that I want and I don't want to have to share it with anyone; I don't want to give up my comfortable bed when my large family is packed into a tiny house. Just like that, I lose sight of why we celebrate. There's nothing wrong with the traditions, the presents, or the food, but what has priority in my life when Christmas day rolls around?  

    So, this year, I'm deciding to keep Jesus in the center of my Christmas. Every time I feel a selfish thought coming on, I want to crucify that in Jesus' name! If Jesus sacrificed His life for me, I think I can give Christmas, and I hope much more, to Him. Christmas was the beginning of salvation 2,000 years ago and continues to be so every day for those who find the forgiveness, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ!  If you have any questions about my faith, songwriting, or just a random question, please feel free to head over to my contact page and ask away. Merry Christmas! 

You can stream "They Called Him Jesus" now everywhere you listen to music!! 

Love, 
Emmalee

Leave a comment