I Am Christmas
I Am Christmas
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11)
I Am Christmas
I am observed all over the world on December 25th
I am celebrated by multitudes, hated by some, and misunderstood by far too many.
I am more than bright wrapping paper, expensive gifts, or colorful decorations.
I can be found in the bright expectant eyes of a child as they anticipate the fulfillment of their Christmas wishes.
I can be lost in the commercialism of last minute sales, the bland greetings of "Happy Holidays", and politically correct censorship.
I Am Christmas
I can be more fully enjoyed by cheerfulness, kindness, and the words of Christ that "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35)
I am lovingly expressed in the sentiments of beautiful cards, and the kind, friendly smiles connected with gifts and giving.
I am re-lived in the thoughts and words of fondly remembered Christmases past.
I can be heard in the excitement of children, the tired but smiling yawns of loving parents, and the sounds associated with Christmas morning.
I purposely bring out the best in those who love me and seek me.
I somehow become the enemy of those who hate and shun me.
I bring refreshment to the weary contented.
I bring rejoicing to understanding worshippers.
I bring relief to the accomplished labourer.
I Am Christmas
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
I Am Christmas
I am the reason to rejoice and celebrate.
I am the celebration of the Saviour, the Son of God, the God man, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.
I am the invitation to the sinner who will simply believe in the Gospel Message in its clarity and its entirety -
that Christ died, and was buried according to the scriptures, and rose the third day according to the Scriptures - for you personally.
I Am Christmas
I am the beginning point in history of the Son of God who had no beginning and has no end.
The One whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2)
I Am Christmas
I am found in the convictions of Joseph - who maintained his purity and honored the purity of Mary his espoused bride until they were married.
I am found in the submission of Mary who was gladly willing to give birth to the Son of God, the Saviour of all sinners. Mary included.
I Am Christmas
I am the shepherds who found great comfort for their fears.
My message gives the same certainty for the unstable present, and hope for the unknown future.
I declare the Lamb of God whom the shepherds found.
The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)
I Am Christmas
I am as bright as the star that shone over the house where Jesus dwelt with Mary and Joseph.
I will shine brightly in your home if you will welcome me.
I will shine through you with righteousness, love, conviction, and compassion.
I Am Christmas
I am heard in the words of the angel who brought tidings of great joy to all people, "low and high, rich and poor together" (Psalm 49:2)
And the angels who proclaimed glory to God in the highest.
I am heard in the voices of the shepherds who desired to see what had come to pass, and equally desired to make known what they had seen.
I Am Christmas
I am the glad welcome of a humble manger when a busy crowded inn had no room.
I Am Christmas
I am the star that clearly and brightly shone to guide the way to the Christ child.
I am the Truth which the wise men sought, and I am the Life which they found. (John 14:6)
I am the wisdom of the wise men for which they travelled diligently.
I am the fulfillment of the Scriptures which the Scribes refused to see.
i am the promised One whom Herod could not destroy.
I Am Christmas
I am the gifts thoughtfully obtained and worshipfully given by the wise men.
I am the gold which represents the Deity and royalty of the Saviour King.
Gold which reminds us of great value.
Gold which comprises the streets of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2) prepared for Christ's body, the Church (Ephesians 5:30).
I am the frankincense whose aroma is as beautiful as it is valuable.
I am the sweet smelling myrrh given to the Christ child and would later anoint His body for burying.
I Am Christmas
I am often echoed in the love expressed in gifts given and received by friends and family.
I can be seen in the eyes of those who give unselfishly to others with no thought of return or reward.
I can be seen in the grateful eyes of those in genuine need, whose needs have been genuinely met by givers who genuinely give.
I can be found in the hearts of the generous and in the hands of the compassionate.
I Am Christmas
I can be seen in the Christmas tree of Evergreen.
The evergreen is like the Life found in me.
I am reflected in the lights and ornaments of the Christmas tree with their beauty and brightness.
The colors are reminders of the rainbow given by the Lord after the flood - that He would never again destroy the world by water.
The colors seen on the breastplate of the Old Testament Priests, representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
The colors which will be seen in the walls of New Jerusalem.
I Am Christmas
I can be seen in worship services and Christian fellowship.
I am enjoyed in the delight of a Christmas feast, the aroma and taste of treasured delicacies.
I Am Christmas
I am heard in the Carols of worship which exalt our Heavenly Father, who gave His Son, Jesus Christ,
born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, paid the perfect sacrifice, and who gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I Am Christmas
I am Contentment in a world controlled by materialism.
I am Gratitude in a world driven by a mindset of entitlement.
I am Clarity in a world of confusion.
I Am Christmas
I offer sweetness in a bitter world.
I offer rest to those who are wearied by sin and heavy laden by religion and man made rules.
I offer satisfaction to those who have known the emptiness of self effort.
I Am Christmas
I am God reaching down to hopeless and helpless humanity.
I am the person, any person, who will trust Christ as their Saviour.
I am the Christian who proclaims the Christmas message to those around them through word and deed.
I Am Christmas
I am the reason for the joyful proclamation, and the silent meditation concerning the Holy Child.
I bring attention to the Bread of Life born in the city of Bethlehem - the house of bread.
I Am Christmas (Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6)
I present to you Immanuel - God with us in a human body, and ever present with all who belong to Christ.
I present to you He who is called Wonderful - wonderful in His words, His works, and His ways
I present to you the Counselor - the One who has every true and lasting answer for every person and every problem.
I present to you the Mighty God - He who created the universe - He is well able to guide you clearly, and provide for you completely.
I present to you the Everlasting Father - the Alpha and Omega who was and is and is to come (Revelation 1:8) - who will forgive your past,
save you now, and give you a spotless future.
I present to you the Prince of Peace - whose presence gives peace in any trouble, without whom there is no peace.
Yes, I Am Christmas
I am observed on December 25th, but I am available all through the year if people will only seek me, receive me, and give me...
...in the heat of Summer
...in the cold of Winter
...in the bloom of Spring
...in the colorful Autumn
Yes, I am Christmas and can always be found!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!