“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. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3, NIV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (John 1:1, 14-18, NIV)
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15, NIV)
Bethlehem reminds us that God revealed Himself most fully by sending His Son, not a letter, constitution, statue, or museum. The biblical writers use different language to make this singular point. Regarding Jesus, the writer of Hebrews said He is “the exact representation” of God’s being; John wrote that the Word “was God”; and Paul added, “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Therefore, we must know the Son. When we see the Son, we see God.
Imagine learning to play tennis. The first thing you do is schedule a lesson with a new coach. On the afternoon of your first practice, you arrive with racket in hand, ready to learn. As you step onto the court, you see no one. The place is empty. After a few minutes, your coach sends a text message. Strangely, the message contains a few bullet points on tennis fundamentals. The coach concludes the message by saying that if you follow his plan, you will master the game. “No face-to-face instruction is necessary; you will be learning the game over text messages.” Disappointed, you immediately begin your search for a new coach.
“When we see the Son, we see God.”
Now, a different scenario. You show up for your first tennis lesson. As you step onto the court, you notice that someone has arrived before you. To your surprise, it is Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest players ever. You are shocked that today you will be sharing a court with tennis greatness. His presence puzzles you. Then he approaches you and says, “Hello, I’m your new tennis coach.” Of course, he intimidates you, but he quickly reassures you that he will be patient. He is committed to being your tennis coach… for life. Your new teacher is one of the best of all time.
The second scenario illustrates what God has done through Jesus. God sent His Son to show us how to live. Our teacher is the best of all time. In Jesus, the invisible God became visible.
While in the Old Testament, God made only a few appearances (burning bush, cloud, pillar of fire), in Jesus, God put on skin so that all could see Him, touch Him, and learn from Him. The Word of God, Jesus Christ, befriended sinners; called tax collectors to follow him, stood up for the sinful woman caught in adultery, welcomed children to his embrace, and forgave the ones who crucified Him. Through His interactions, Jesus revealed the Father to the world. Do you want to know what God is like and what He desires? Look to Jesus.
“Do you want to know what God is like and what He desires? Look to Jesus.”
Learning from, and following, Jesus happens in a myriad of ways, such as: reading the Gospels, fellowshipping with other Christians, gathering for communion with the church, serving the poor, and living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should make these a fixture in our lives. Step by step, we learn about God from our teacher, Jesus.
My friend, Colton, often uses an illustration involving Lebron James. He says, “I may tell someone I know Lebron James. But is Lebron my friend? I mean, I’ve watched him a ton on TV and been amazed at his abilities. But, if Lebron saw me at the store would he know who I am? Do I really know Lebron James? I know about Lebron James, but I don’t have a relationship with him.” Then he brings the point home by saying, “Do I really know Jesus? Not just, do I know about Jesus? But, do I truly know Jesus? Do I have a relationship with Him – does He know who I am, and do I know Him? Most importantly, have I spent time with Jesus to truly know Him?” Colton’s point is clear: our desire should exceed merely knowing about Jesus, as if He is a celebrity on TV; we should strive to know Him personally, which requires effort and intentionality.
“Step by step, we learn about God from our teacher, Jesus.”
As you continue this month-long journey of reflection on Jesus’ birth, I encourage you to ask God to give you eyes to see Jesus, a mind ready to learn from Him, hands to serve Him, and feet to follow Him. I pray that you will make the effort to truly know Jesus, not just about Him.
Father, thank you for revealing fully who you are through your Son, Jesus. You have not left me alone or without direction on how to live. Give me eyes to see your Son, so that I can not only see Him, but you, too. If there is pride, apathy, or confusion in my heart, please remove it so that my heart can be fully yours. Help me to know Jesus personally and closely. In His holy name, amen.
Excerpted from Rob Long, O Come Let Us Adore Him: 31 Christmas Devotionals to Find Meaning in the Manger.
