‘Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20 NLT)

When we think of the first Christmas, we think of the birth of Jesus, and technically it was. But that is not when Jesus began, because He has no beginning or end. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. And beside Him there is no other god. 

However, there was a moment when God decided to descend from Heaven to Earth and be born in a manger as a helpless little infant. Isaiah 9:6 sums it up perfectly: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (NLT).

From our perspective on Earth, a child was born. From the Father’s perspective in Heaven, a Son was given. Notice this verse goes on to give us these names for Jesus: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is God, and God became a man.

We call the birth of Christ the Incarnation. But there were pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus in the Old Testament. On one occasion someone said to Jesus, “Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” (John 8:53 NLT).

Jesus answered, “Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad” (verse 56 NLT). Then He added, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” (verse 58 NLT).

Then there was Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the Emmaus Road after His resurrection. Jesus joined their conversation. They didn’t recognize Him at first. And they started telling the story of Jesus to Jesus.

They said, “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago” (Luke 24:21 NLT).

They didn’t realize He had risen. Jesus said, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” (verses 25–26 NLT).

Luke goes on to say that, beginning with Moses and the prophets, Jesus explained to them what the Scriptures said about Him. He identified all the passages that pointed to Himself. We find Christ in the Old Testament not in name, but in His appearances.

But then one day God came to Earth as a Child, who became a man, who died on the cross and rose from the grave. He always has been there. And He will be there to the very end. Jesus said, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NLT).

The holidays are coming upon us in full force, and retailers can’t wait for you to spend your money. But you will discover the real message of the Christmas season is not presents; it is His presence.

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