Scripture Reading
Hebrews 1:1-4
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Reflection
In the still hours of a starlit night, a whisper of eternity broke through the silence. This whisper would change the course of history, and as we draw near the hearth this Christmas, our hearts consider the profound passage in Hebrews that tells of God's ultimate communication to us.
"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets,"
Hebrews begins. But in the tapestry of time, when the moment was just right, He spoke through His Son. The prophets were the brushstrokes of promise on the canvas of the ages, but Jesus is the masterpiece—the Word made flesh.
Hebrews tells us that the Son shines with the very glory of God and that He is the exact likeness of God's own being. Think of it! In Bethlehem's manger lay not just a newborn baby, but the brightness of God's glory. The God who spun the galaxies chose to make Himself known through ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. God with us—touchable, approachable, relatable.
This tiny babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, sustains the universe by His powerful word. The hands that would one day be stretched out in love upon a cross were the same that flung stars into space. How profound that the One who holds all creation together would allow Himself to be held by a young mother.
Jesus came not just to be born but to purify us from our sins. From the cradle in the shadow of the cross, He embarked on a journey that would lead to our redemption. His birth was the beginning of a mission that would ultimately see Him seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, having accomplished the work of salvation.
This Jesus, our Messiah, is more than an angel; He's the Son of God, bearing a name above every name. In a world clamoring for our attention with countless voices, the voice of God, spoken through His Son, is the one voice that matters most. He stands supreme.
This Christmas, as we're surrounded by gifts and greenery, let's pause to treasure the greatest gift—the presence of God with us. In the quiet moments of this season, let's listen for His voice, let's marvel at His love, and let's worship the One who came from heaven to earth to show us the way home. The One who is the heir of all things, the creator of the universe, and our everlasting hope.
For a sermon on this passage: Greatness of Jesus Christ
Notes
Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Elevation Worship.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
