Beyond The Tinsel

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Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Think

Now that the blow-ups are deflated, the wrapping paper is crumpled in the trash, and the leftovers are stuffed into the fridge, the magic of Christmas can feel like it’s slipping away. The family is still in town, but the big day has passed. So now what? What do we do with this baby who changed the world?

December 26 might feel like an afterthought—a time to relax or recover from the holiday buzz—but in Hebrew, the number 26 holds profound significance. It represents God’s covenant name, YHWH, the sacred name meaning "I AM." It’s a reminder that the God who gave us Christmas didn’t just show up for a day; he is with us forever. His presence isn’t seasonal; it’s eternal.

When Jesus was born, he embodied this truth. Isaiah’s prophecy called him Immanuel, meaning "God with us." He came not just for the grand celebration of his arrival but for the ordinary, messy, and chaotic days that followed. His presence transformed barns and stable floors into holy ground. And now, Jesus wants to transform your December 26 and every day after.

But what does that look like? What do we do with this truth when the holiday decorations are packed away? We carry it with us. God’s name, YHWH, reveals his commitment to walk with us in every season—not just during the joyful moments, but in the hard, quiet ones too.

Today, as you stare at the remnants of Christmas, remember that the story isn’t over. The God who entered the world as a baby in a manger is the same God who stays with you in the chaos of life. Take a moment to breathe in his presence. Whisper his name, YHWH, and let its meaning sink in: I AM with you.

Christmas isn’t about the decorations or even the day itself—it’s about a promise fulfilled. The Light of the world came to stay, and he’s here to walk with you through every day, every struggle, and every joy. Let December 26 be the day you remember: God didn’t just come to visit. He came to stay.

Apply

Ask Jesus to guide you, comfort you, and remind you of his presence in both the quiet and the chaos.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in my life. You are Immanuel—God with us—not just on Christmas, but every single day. Help me to carry the truth beyond the celebrations and into the ordinary moments of life. Remind me that you are with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.