12/10/2024
Jean Morrison
As we approach Christmas, with all the hustle and bustle, wondering which gift to buy, and eagerly preparing for all the festivities, it's easy to forget the reason for the season. As Christians, we understand the true meaning of Christmas, but sometimes even we can get lost in the holiday shuffle. This season, it's important for us as followers of Jesus to pause, reflect, and understand the deeper impact of our Savior's birth and His influence on our lives as we focus on who He is.
The Apostle John gives us an intimate look at who Jesus is in John 1:1-2. He says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning... .” In verse 14, he continues, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Here are three focal points to help us refocus on why we celebrate Christmas — not for the presents, food, time off, or even family fun, but to worship and remember who Jesus is —our Lord and Savior, the redeemer of all mankind!
Focal Point #1: Jesus is uniquely, and inseparably, one with God.
Jesus is not just with God; He is God. This is a unique truth of Christmas —that Jesus, who existed before the world began, is inseparable from God. He is not identical to God, but He is fully and eternally one with Him. Jesus wasn’t created into something new — He was already present with God, part of the divine Trinity from the very beginning.
Focal Point #2: Jesus is eternally and intimately connected with God.
Jesus didn’t just arrive on Christmas morning wrapped in a bow for all humanity. No. Jesus’ arrival on earth wasn’t just one moment in time, but the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. He has always been with God and intimately connected with the Father from the beginning of time because He and the Father are one. This eternal connection shows us that Jesus is the living Word, unchanging and present from the beginning, a continual part of God's story, a forever gift for all those who believe in His name and accept Him as Lord and Savior!
Focal Point #3: Jesus was fully human and fully God.
Jesus took on human flesh and made His dwelling among us. He wasn’t born in a palace, surrounded by riches, but in a humble manger. The Creator of the universe chose to enter the world not as a king in a palace, but as a baby born in a manger. He was God in the flesh who experienced everything we go through — hunger, pain, grief, and even temptation —yet without sin. Jesus was fully human but never lost His divinity. He remained God, displaying perfect grace and truth.
So, here’s the bottom line. Jesus dwelt among us and became one of us. He sacrificed His divine privileges to walk with us, to experience life as we do, and to offer us the hope of salvation.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on Jesus while exercising our faith in action. As we prepare for Christmas, think about what we can sacrifice to help those less fortunate, whether it’s giving of our time, prayers, or resources. Let’s be the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus — for He is the reason for the season.
