Tuesday, December 8, 2015
John 1:1-2, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. ... And the Word became 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.
THE EVERLASTING SON
Aren't the holidays often bittersweet? Have you ever had that dear relative or friend who comes from a distance to be with you over Christmas, and then sadly watch them leave after so short a time spent with them? We humans have no concept of the word everlasting, forever, or eternal. Because we are bound by time while on this earth, we have no way of fully grasping what these words truly mean.
But there's nothing bittersweet about describing Jesus as "the everlasting Son!" God describes Himself in that way in the Gospel of John. In order to help us understand, God uses the phrase as in the very first verses of Genesis, "In the beginning." That is, in the beginning of time as we know and understand it, our Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was already there. And "the everlasting Son," the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us," comes to serve us with His "grace and truth" and sacrifice Himself to set us free from ALL of our sins!
As you prepare to say goodbye to dear friends and loved ones this Christmas, think about how you never have to prepare to say goodbye to Jesus. He is the everlasting Son of God, your dear brother and friend, who loves you and promises He will never leave you!
The everlasting Son Incarnate deigns to be;
Himself a servant's form puts on To set His servants free!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 68:2; Charles Coffin, 1736)
