Scripture: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Observation: Throughout this book, John reveals the divinity of Jesus. He begins with a simple declaration of who Jesus is before continuing his narrative on the life and ministry of Christ.
Application: The celebration of Christmas is more than just a joyous occasion to recognize the birth of a baby named Jesus. The significance of His birth begins with the realization of who Jesus actually is. John made that very clear. He begins his book stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (1:1) We begin to get a glimpse of the second person of the Trinity in this statement… the Word was WITH God, and the Word IS God. In today’s verse, we see the Word becoming human and living with mankind. Because of the biblical writings of Matthew and Luke, we know that Jesus, the Son of God, was born of a virgin and lived as a man for approximately 33 years. Thus, when we read John’s writings, we can know with certainty that the Word to whom he refers IS Jesus.
With this understanding, we read in the first few verses the truth that Jesus is God. He is the Creator. He is eternal. Jesus was more than a baby born to die. Jesus was God Himself who chose to leave the glory of heaven, be born as a human baby, live among us… showing us God in the flesh… and then sacrificing Himself on the cross for our sins to provide for us eternal life with Him if we so chose. All we have to do is believe and accept!
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! God’s plan of salvation does not involve tasks that we must perform to prove ourselves to God. It does not require us to memorize and recite specific prayers. It does not demand that we find ways to atone for our sins ourselves. It does not require any work on our part. The Bible… the WORD… gives us the way to salvation in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Ephesians 2:8-9 explain it clearly, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
When you put your faith in Christ, in who He is and what He did for you, He will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. His sweet Holy Spirit will come to reside in your heart and your soul will have the peace of God that passes all understanding! Jesus will be with you now and forever as your Lord and Saviour! This is the reason we celebrate Christmas! Emmanuel! God with us!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, Blessed Redeemer, Saviour of my soul, how I praise Your holy name! Thank You for coming to us and living among us showing us God. Thank You for dying for us and providing salvation to anyone who calls upon Your name! Thank You for the promise of everlasting life through You! You are my hope! You are my joy! You are my peace, and I lift up Your holy name! Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen and amen!!
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.
Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.
(from “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by E.S. Elliot)
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“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” – John 1:12