This Sunday is Christmas Day. What a joyful day it is, indeed. Presents are given. Those hoped for presents you wanted become a reality. There is time spent with family. For family gatherings at this time of the year, will occur with some family members only on that day or maybe one other day of the year.
Lest we forget, Christmas Day is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Martin Luther, who often told the story in order to make a point, stressed the impact of God assuming flesh when he described a preacher reading from the first chapter of John’s gospel. When he came to the words, “In the beginning was the Word,” the Devil stood motionless. But when he read, “and the Word was made flesh,” the Devil immediately fled. The fear of the God in flesh causes the Devil to exit as fast as he can.
The gospel of John in chapter one and verse one states: “In the beginning was the Word.” The Word is none other than Jesus. Jesus existed before the beginning of time. Jesus’ life did not begin when He was born. This you know from the rest of this verse, “and the Word was with God.” That Word, Jesus, existed with God from eternity past. To make sure you know that Jesus and God are one and the same person, the remainder of the verse clarifies that point: “and the Word was God.”
You know that the Word is the person of Jesus, because of John 1:14, “and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” God the Son “became flesh” and “dwelt among” those people during the life of John.
Christmas Day will be here before you know it. It is just a few days away. Celebrate with the giving and receiving of gifts with family and friends. Remember it is Christ’s birthday!
