As I considered what it meant to me that Jesus was God’s gift to us and began to study the Scriptures, I began to be overwhelmed with all that the Bible says about Christ and all we have in Him. I began to list everything I was finding, but then I came across this excerpt. I’m not sure exactly who wrote this, but it compiled my findings so succinctly, that I had to share it. As you read it, and let the words wash over you. This is simply a fraction of Who Christ is.
One of the great tenets of Scripture is the claim that Jesus Christ is completely sufficient for all matters of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)! He is sufficient for creation (Colossians 1:16-17), salvation (Hebrews 10:10-12), sanctification (Ephesians 5:26-27), and glorification (Romans 8:30). So pure is He that there is no blemish, stain, spot of sin, defilement, lying, deception, corruption, error, or imperfection (1 Peter 1:18-20).
So complete is He that there is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5); He is the only begotten Son (John 1:14; John 1:18); all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Colossians 2:3); the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him (Colossians 2:9); He is heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2); He created all thing and all things were made by Him, through Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16); He upholds all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3); He is the firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15); He is the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3).
He has no beginning and no end (Revelation 1:17-18); He is the spotless Lamb of God; He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14); He is our Hope (1 Timothy 1:1); He is our Life (Colossians 3:4); He is the living and true Way (John 14:6); He is the strength of Israel (1 Samuel 15:29); He is the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16); He is Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11); He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2); He is Captain of our Salvation (Hebrews 2:10); He is the Champion; He is the Elect One (Isaiah 42:1); He is the Apostle and High-Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1); He is the Righteous Servant (Isaiah 53:11).
He is the Lord of Hosts, the Redeemer – the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5); He is the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3); He is the Light; He is the Son of Man (Matthew 20:28); He is the Vine; He is the Bread of Life; He is the Door; He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-13); He is Prophet, Priest and King (Hebrews 1:1-3); He is our Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9); He is our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6) He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9:6); He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); He is Lord God of hosts; He is Lord of the nations; He is the Lion of Judah; the Living Word; the Rock of Salvation; the Eternal Spirit; He is the Ancient of Days; Creator and Comforter; Messiah; and He is the great I AM (John 8:58)!
This only scratches the surface of Who Christ is and what He means to us. The truth is—the whole Bible is written so that we can know God, to know Who Jesus is. From beginning to end, it’s all about Him! And yet, even if we were able to memorize the whole Bible, there would still be more for us to learn. God is infinite; John 21:25 tells us that if everything that Jesus said or did were written down, there wouldn’t be room enough in the world for all the books. Let us treasure God’s Word, for it tells us Who He is. Treasure the gift God has given us and worship Him. It’s not about what Christ has done for us, but WHO He is.
But it’s possible that you might not have ever accepted God’s greatest gift, His Son, Jesus. As I said in my previous post, Jesus is the real reason why we are here. He created us with the intent that we would bring Him glory, to love Him, to serve Him. But we would not. Romans 3 tells us that there is no one who is righteous, no one on their own seeks God, no one does good, and finally, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” I think that last part is the most telling. People go their merry ways without any thought of God. They don’t fear Him and turn against Him who created them.
But that’s the beauty of God’s grace. That while we were sinners, Christ died for us. He gave His life on the cross to pay the punishment for our sin so that we could have a restored relationship with God. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose again, proving that He truly is God. And the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that is available to us, to help us to live a life that pleases God.
God’s gift is, as it were, sitting on the table before you. Jesus truly is the most precious gift you will ever receive. He created you and loves you with an inexpressible love. He died for you so that you can have a relationship with Him. Will you believe Him and receive God’s gift? Or will you leave it there for perhaps another time. This gift is available to all.
For those who have already opened that gift, will you devote your life to knowing Jesus? It’s so easy for us to get caught up with our own lives, doing even good things, but fail to reflect on our great Savior and worship Him as He deserves. Will you study God’s Word? Will you treasure this unfathomable gift and worship the One Who gave it?
This Christmas, let’s take the time out from the hustle and bustle that comes with the season. Take time in the quiet moments of the mornings (or evenings) when the house is quiet and reflect with wonder our infinitely-faced Jesus.
Calling Us Upward 