The Visible God: Why Christmas Matters More Than Ever Now
Christmas is a season of wonder and celebration, a time to reflect on the miraculous arrival of Jesus Christ, God made visible. But what if we told you there’s even more to this celebration than meets the eye? Beyond the nativity and the carols lies a profound truth: Christmas is not just about Christ's first advent—it’s also deeply connected to His promised return. In this post, we’ll delve into the significance of the two advents of Christ, the supremacy of Jesus, and why Christmas matters more than ever in today’s world.
Two Advents: Past and Future
Many people celebrate the first advent—that is, Christ's birth in Bethlehem—but few recognize the importance of the second advent, His promised return. As the speaker powerfully stated, “We are at the doorway of the second advent, even in the church.” The Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, frequently speaks of the second coming of Christ, often with greater detail than His first. This highlights its significance in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
During His first advent, Christ came as a baby in a manger, humble and approachable. But His second coming will see Him return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, ruling the nations with justice and righteousness. Understanding this duality helps us celebrate Christmas not just as a historical event but as a reminder of what’s to come. As we look forward to His return, let’s live in the light of this hope and prepare our hearts for the fulfillment of His promises.
Jesus: The Center of Everything
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ, who is far more than a teacher or a savior—He is the center of human history and the Lord of the universe. As the speaker emphasized, “God is not the man upstairs… It’s far, far more all-consuming than that.”
Scripture reveals that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, who existed before creation and actively participated in it. Colossians 1:15-17 reminds us that “all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” From the manger to the cross to His glorious return, Jesus remains central to God’s plan for humanity.
God Made Visible: Emmanuel
One of the most profound truths of Christmas is the incarnation—God becoming man. In Jesus, we see the invisible God made visible, relatable, and approachable. As the speaker beautifully described, “A God you could poke and He would cry. A God you could insult, ignore, or talk to. A God who walked a mile in your shoes.”
This is the essence of Emmanuel, “God with us.” Unlike other religions where deities remain distant, the Christian faith introduces a God who became one of us, who lived, suffered, and died to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus models a God who cares deeply, not only about the grand narrative of creation but also about the intimate details of our lives.
The Progressive Revelation of Christ
Throughout Scripture, Jesus' identity unfolds progressively, revealing His character and supremacy. From being called the Word of God (John 1:1) to the Wisdom of God (Proverbs 8), and eventually Emmanuel and Savior, every name of Jesus reveals a different aspect of who He is. Each stage of His revelation—from the eternal Son to the incarnate Christ—offers us a deeper understanding of God’s nature.
For example, in His first advent, Jesus showed us how to live: with grace, forgiveness, servanthood, and love. His life was a roadmap for how to navigate this world with faith and purpose. At His second advent, He will return as the reigning King, bringing justice, restoring creation, and fulfilling all things. This ongoing revelation of Christ is not just a theological concept but a transformative journey for every believer.
Why Christmas Matters Now More Than Ever
The speaker’s message is clear: the world needs to wake up to the reality of Christ’s return. “The whole world now remembers and is still celebrating the first advent when the second advent is right around the corner,” he said. Just as many missed His first coming, many are unaware or unprepared for His second.
This is why celebrating Christmas is so important. It reminds us of what was, what is, and what is to come. It calls us to center our lives around Jesus, to grow in our understanding of His supremacy, and to live in expectation of His return. As we reflect on the gift of Emmanuel, let’s also prepare our hearts for the day when He will come again, not as a baby, but as the King of Kings.
Takeaways: Living in the Light of His Return
Remember the two advents of Christ: Celebrate His first coming while preparing for His second.
Recognize Jesus as the center of human history and the Lord of all creation.
Embrace the visible God who became relatable and approachable through Jesus.
Explore the progressive revelation of Christ’s character, from the Word of God to Emmanuel.
Live with anticipation and purpose, knowing His return is imminent.
Conclusion
Christmas is more than a day on the calendar; it’s a celebration of God’s ultimate plan for humanity. Through Jesus, the invisible God became visible, relatable, and redemptive. As we look back to His first advent and forward to His second, let’s live with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Ask yourself: Are you living in the light of His return? Are you ready to meet the King?
If you’ve never experienced the joy of knowing Jesus personally, today is the perfect time to start. He’s not just a figure of history but a living Savior who desires a relationship with you. As the speaker invited, “Do you know Him? Because He’s the only pathway to God.”
This Christmas, let’s celebrate not just the baby in the manger but the King who will return. Let’s live in the light of His love, His grace, and His soon-coming reign. Amen?
