What if we reclaimed the greeting, not merely as a holiday wish, but as a declaration of divine reality? Saying “Merry Christ-as-Life” shifts the focus from a date on the calendar to the Person who indwells the believer. It’s not about celebrating His birth alone, but proclaiming His indwelling presence—Christ who is our life (Colossians 3:4, ESV). This greeting becomes a bold reminder that Yeshua didn’t come to be remembered once a year, but to live in us every moment.

BRINGING INDWELLING LIFE

Yeshua’s first coming was not merely a divine visitation—it was the unveiling of eternal Life made flesh. As John declared, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4, ESV). He came not only to forgive sin, but to impart His very Life into those who would receive Him. Through His death and resurrection, Yeshua made a way for humanity to be reconciled to the Father—not by religion or ritual, but by indwelling union. “To all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12, ESV). This was the mystery hidden for ages: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27, ESV).

The world expected a conquering Messiah, but Yeshua came first as the Lamb—to conquer death within. His mission was not to reform the flesh, but to crucify it and replace it with His own Life. Those who receive Him as Savior are not merely pardoned—they are reborn, indwelt by the Spirit of the Living God. This is the essence of salvation: not just escape from judgment, but entrance into divine fellowship. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). His first coming was the seed of this indwelling reality, and every believer who receives Him becomes a living temple, a vessel of His glory, awaiting the fullness of His return.

IN OUR HOME

In the Phinney household, we’ve made a deliberate and joyful shift: we no longer say “Merry Christmas.” Instead, we proclaim “Merry Christ-as-Life.” This isn’t a rejection of tradition—it’s a return to the heart of it. For us, the season is not about sentimentality or cultural festivity, but about celebrating the indwelling Life of Yeshua, who came not merely to be born in a manger, but to be born within us. Every card we send, every decoration we hang, every word we speak during this season is anchored in that truth: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27, ESV).

This phrase—“Merry Christ-as-Life”—has become more than a greeting; it’s a declaration. It reminds us and those we love that Yeshua didn’t come to be admired from afar, but to live His Life through us. Our home reflects this message in every corner, from Scripture-laced ornaments to banners that proclaim His indwelling presence. We want our grandchildren, friends, and even strangers to know: this season is not about a day, but about a Person. And that Person is not just the Savior of the world—He is the Life within those who receive Him.

A LITTLE HISTORY

The phrase “Merry Christmas” finds its roots in the Roman Catholic State Church, where it originally signified a “Christ Mass”—a liturgical celebration exclusive to Catholic believers. While many today use the phrase casually or culturally, its origin is rooted in an empirical religion that initially directed new converts to Yeshua to the Roman State Church, establishing a “priest” between the “believer” and Christ Himself. For those of us who are born-again, have a direct connection to Yeshua, and walk in the indwelling Life of Yeshua, this terminology can feel exclusionary, as it subtly reinforces allegiance to a universal empirical church system that does not represent the fullness of biblical salvation. In the Phinney household, we choose not to honor this phrase. Instead, we proclaim “Merry Christ-as-Life,” a declaration that celebrates not a ritual, but the living Messiah who dwells within those who receive Him by faith.

So this year, and from now on, switch over…

Let me challenge you, dear reader, to reconsider the phrase that rolls off so many tongues this time of year: “Merry Christmas.” While it may seem harmless or nostalgic, its roots lie in a religious tradition that centers on ritual rather than relationship—a “mass” for Christ that often excludes the very essence of His coming. But what if we reclaimed this season with a phrase that speaks to the heart of Yeshua’s mission? What if we declared, with boldness and clarity, “Merry Christ-as-Life?”

This isn’t just a linguistic tweak—it’s a theological shift. Yeshua did not come merely to be born in Bethlehem; He came to be born in you. His birthday is not a call to decorate trees or exchange gifts—it’s a summons to receive His indwelling Life. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). By saying “Merry Christ-as-Life,” you proclaim that His birth was the beginning of a divine exchange: our death for His Life, our emptiness for His fullness. Let this celebration be more than seasonal—it must be eternal, rooted in the truth that Yeshua desires to live His Life through you, not just be remembered by you.

So I urge you: let your cards, your greetings, your gatherings reflect this reality.

Let your children and grandchildren hear it spoken with conviction. Let your home radiate the message that Christ is not a holiday—He is Life Himself.

Merry Christ-as-Life! Let the world know what His birthday truly means.

Reflect on this song, written for our Substack readers on this special day.

MERRY CHRIST-AS-LIFE | Lyrics Stephen Phinney | Vocalist Wyatt Waylon:

Merry Christ-as-Life from all of us at IOM America. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe