Christmas Bread
Jesus said to them: “I Am the Bread of life.”
John 6:35
In many parts of the world, as part of their Christmas traditions they have 'Christmas Bread.' During the Lord's ministry on earth, He said many things that challenged His listeners. In fact, He often spoke in parables, or in metaphors. He used figurative language to relate common objects or concepts with Himself or His Kingdom so that people could better understand His character and purpose. In the book of John, there are seven times in which Jesus says “I am ____.” Each statement gives us a glimpse into the character of the Lord Jesus, Who He really is and what He is like.
One of those “I Am's” of the Lord is in John 6:35: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
Just a few verses back He explains more:
"For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." John 6:33
Then back in John 1:14, it says - "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Jesus, the Bread of Life...God in flesh, stepped down out of Heaven and came to earth in the form of man to live among us. His love for us caused Him to lay aside His majesty and glory for a time, to walk in our shoes, and to reveal Himself to us...that we might see with our eyes and touch with our hands. To show He is real and He is near!
In many cultures, bread is thought to be the "staff of life." But the "Bread of Life" sustain more than our physical bodies; it represents the gift of Christ's life. As He took part in the Passover meal with His disciples - "And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19
The Lord Jesus came down from Heaven and gave His very life for us on the cross. This Christmastime, may we each rejoice in the knowledge of the "Bread of Life."
Bible Reading
John 6:29-40.
Prayer
Father God, Thank You for Your Son, the Bread of Life. Amen.
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