Christmas Readiness - the birth of the eternal Christ who exists even before he was born
[Christ who exists before Bethlehem]
~ Pastor Biakson
Christmas has been orchestrated and planned by God. God in his grandeur mind, through prophets, and through His chosen people Israel already foresee this day. We can learn how God has mastermind the whole plan despite the enemy’s resistance and ways of trying to stop God’s plan from happening. Let us be reminded that Christmas is about a Christ who exists even before Bethlehem.
[Revelations 1:8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
[Galatians 4:4 (NIV)] "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law"
[Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)] God’s Final Word: His Son - In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
First of all, “How well do we know Christmas?” We should be aware that it’s not just about the day, or a birthday celebration. Rather it’s a day where we commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice, His peace and fervor and let the world know that this is the greatest gift God has given and we who celebrate it are receiver of this gift. We must know the difference between how the world celebrates and how believers do. There are many ways culture has improvised to help them remember the uniqueness of Jesus’ birth. Examples are the Christmas tree, the star, and Christmas gift. Christmas tree was first used by German Protestants to proclaim about eternal life using an evergreen tree- a living tree. Christmas Star symbolizes that as the wise men were led by the star, anyone willing to see Jesus can be led by the ever-present guide- the Holy Spirit. Christmas gift: The first gift was given by God to all mankind his revelation in his Son Jesus, and we are to emulate it as a gratitude to the gift we already received.
Now think about what would have happened if Christ wasn’t born? If Christmas didn’t exist, the word in the Bible would be lies. If Christmas didn’t exist, we will not have a way of knowing who God is. If Christmas didn’t exist, we will not be reconciled back to God. If Christmas didn’t exist forgiveness of sin wouldn’t be known because Jesus, the spotless lamb of God is the only one who can atone for the sins of mankind. If Christmas didn’t exist there will be no eternal life as written in the Bible and we will still live in bondage to eternal death.
Then what is the significance of his birth? It is this: that He ‘The eternal Christ” exists even before he was born. Let us see the evidence that proved his existence.
Revelation 1:8 (NIV) “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Here we can find how He is the beginning and the end, there never was a time when he ceases to exist. Everything starts with him, through him, and for him. He was eternally existent, the Almighty as the triune God.
Evidence of the eternal Christ
1. He himself claims He came from heaven. Dialogue with Nikodem, Jesus claimed He came down from heaven. No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[ John 3:13]
2. Jesus is the creator of all things. [John 1:3 (NIV)] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Colossians 1:16 (NIV) For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Even though, He came as a helpless baby He is the creator. It may sound madness to the world but to those who knows and understand his love it is the power of God. We think we know so much, but consider the vast universe there is so much more than what we already know. We are just like one grain of sand in a seashore. However, God still has his purpose in all of these.
3. He describes his relationship with God the Father. In John 10:30, Jesus said “I and the Father are one”. He also said, in John 17:5 (NIV) “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” In Philippians 2:6 we can find “Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage..”
4. His glory: Colossians 2:9,10 (NIV) For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead. Jesus must hide his glory & power so that even the lowest of people can reach him, touch him, feel his presence. If Jesus had come in all His glory no human can stand and face him. Take the examples of Israelites, when God prepared to meet them, they already trembled and shook, because the glory of God is too awesome and powerful for them to handle. They couldn’t stand his presence.
5. Another evidence is in His relationship to mankind: John the Baptist already knew and describes about Jesus as one who is before him. "A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” When ask about how did he know Abhraham, Jesus answered the Jews, “before Abraham was, I am.” He is the “I AM” God. We can see it in His works and wonders. He knew every individual. So, He is not a God who come into this world with the onset of Christmas, but He has always been even before he came into this world.
6. Theophany: A manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. A revelation through different forms, not just in human form as written in the New Testament, but as an angel of the Lord, in the Old Testament. I Corinthians 10:4 (NIV) “They drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.” He is the only Rock that quenched the thirst of His people in the wilderness. He was revealed as one of the Angel of God who visits Abraham. He was evident in many forms throughout the Old Testament.
Therefore, our Lord never ceases to exist even before he was born as a child in Bethlehem. He is ever faithful, everlasting, both God and human. We are grateful we are not just celebrating the birth of a child who came into being in Bethlehem, but one who never ceases to exist. Sometimes, one may think about why Jesus would come so low and unknown. Considering the world where power, pride, reputation and dignity is sought after, Jesus came humbly to show that those are not the answer to the deep search for human brokenness. Imagine someone establishing a kingdom the way Jesus started, his entrance to this world alone is disgraceful. Why would he choose to come as a child in a manger? To proof there is no answer in the glory of this world but only in the glory of him who came down from heaven. So, let not the humility of our Lord be a stumbling block to our belief. Rather we must be grateful that His humility and low entrance ease our reach and search for him for He came to give life to all mankind.
7. Last but the least, two devoted people in the bible [Luke 2] acknowledged their hope and find their answers after the first Christmas - Simeon & Anna. They waited for the Savior with fervent hope and never ceases to pray and visit the temple of the Lord. [Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)] There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[a] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
[Luke 2:25-32 (NIV)] Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Are we ready to meet the eternal Jesus like Simeon and Anna? It is important we prepare to meet the Lord in every form possible, it could be as a baby but let him rule and guide our homes, our relationships, our families because He is the eternal Christ. The Lord is near and will be found by those who hope and seek him fervently. Be ready to meet him every day. Even if you celebrate Christmas for many years, if your heart is not open your Christmas would have been a waste. Let our hope be alive and our hearts be open to let the king of glory fill our lives starting from today as we look forward to Christmas. Let us be ready and be prepared for Him to enter our lives and dwell in us.
