“I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.’. . . I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12, 14)
Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.”
The mountain became a meeting place between God and humanity. It was at the base of Mount Sinai that Moses saw the burning bush and received the call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land. God identified himself as Yahweh (YHWH)—“I AM”. It signifies that he is eternal, self-sufficient, and self-sustaining. The name was so holy that His people would not speak it. When they encountered it in the written form, they pronounced it as LORD—Almighty God, (Adonai). The Law and Prophets (Old Testament) use this 6,828 times.
It was on this mountain that Moses received the Ten Commandments, and Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John just before his crucifixion. In a moment of revelation, the disciples stepped into the spiritual realm and saw Jesus, not merely as their earthly rabbi, but as the great “I AM”. As he conversed with Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophet), God confirmed him as the promised Messiah. The voice in the burning bush had become man. “We beheld his glory. The glory as of the only begotten of the Father. Full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) It is significant that John wrote this prologue—after all, he was an eyewitness to the revelation on the mountain. The Prophet Nahum proclaimed: “Look! On the mountains the feet of one who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace!” (Nahum 1:15)
Without the link between YWHW and Jesus, Christmas is just a children’s story. It has no meaning or effect. But taken as God in flesh among us, it becomes the greatest event in human history. Just think! God lived here!
“LORD, it is beyond comprehension that you would love the world so much that you took on flesh and visited us. Thank you for this amazing gift.” Amen.
Mindi Oaten’s paintings “Our Living Hope” and “Master of Truth” are from God’s Garden of Grace collection.
Contemplative Pilgrims 