Bethlehem. The name means, “house of bread.” Fitting that Jesus, our “bread of life” (John 6) would enter the world through the portal of this poor, little town. And how fascinating that His first place of rest was a manger – a feeding trough. From the moment of His birth, Jesus came to feed us.

No doubt He wishes to meet our physical and emotional needs, but he came to do more. He came, taking our flesh and blood as His own, so that in time, we might take in His flesh and blood.

A foreigner, He assimilated into our world, an extraterrestrial made man. Now as we eat of Him, that foreigner invades every cell of our bodies. And so we assimilate the life of Christ into us, a daily renewal. He became like us, so day by day, we become more and more like Him.

In some traditions, the bread and wine of communion is referred to as the “real presence”. This Christmas, make sure to focus on the very real presence of Christ among us, rather than on the presents we give and receive.

And be present! Savor the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the flavors of Christmas! Look deeply into the eyes of those you love, listen to the hearts of those around and breathe in deeply of the joys of living. But most of all, celebrate the bread of life.

Taste and see that the Lord is good!  Psalm 34:8

Enjoy Jesus today!