Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.1
The whole Christian faith revolves around Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.3 As the Father willed, Jesus submitted himself to be man—born of flesh. Like other nurtured children, Jesus grew and became strong.4 Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.5 He was mentored by godly parents; he sought counsel from spiritual leaders, and scored the Scriptures diligently.6
He is both Lord7 and Savior.8 We cannot dichotomize him. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.9 Throughout the NT, Jesus is called Son of God.10 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.11 Moses instructs, It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you—for the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God . . .12 In answer to Satan’s temptation, Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.13
For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. . . .14
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.15
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.16 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.17
Notes:
1. Matthew 1:18
2. John 1:1
3. John 1:14
4. Luke 2:40
5. Luke 2:52
6. Luke 2:46-47
7. Acts 4:33; 9:17; 16:31
8. Titus 2:13; Romans 10:9
9. Luke 2:11
10. Matthew 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; 4:41; et al
11. Colossians 1:15
12. Deuteronomy 6:13-15
13. Matthew 4:10
14. John 5:21-24
15. Mark 16:19
16. Hebrews 4:14-16
17. Ephesians 2:8-9
