From Eternity to the Manger: Discovering the Majesty of Christ

Hey Guys,

As we approach the Christmas season, our thoughts often turn to the manger in Bethlehem—a simple, humble setting where the Savior of the world was born. But the story of Christ’s birth begins not in a stable, but in eternity past. In John 1:1-5, the apostle John gives us a glimpse into the eternal nature of Jesus Christ, showing us that His incarnation in the manger was not just a historical event but a moment in the grand, eternal plan of God.
This passage is rich with profound truths that help us understand the depth of Christ’s identity and the incredible mystery of His incarnation. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s take a closer look at John 1:1-5 and explore the majesty of Christ, from eternity to the manger.

The Eternal Word (John 1:1)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John begins his Gospel by taking us back to the very beginning of time—before creation, before the world existed. He introduces us to "the Word" (Logos), which is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. The Word is eternal—existing "in the beginning" before anything was made. This declaration underscores the pre-existence of Christ. He was not created, but has always been with God and, in fact, is God Himself.

This verse is a powerful reminder that Christ is not merely a historical figure who arrived in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. No, He is the eternal Son of God, co-eternal with the Father, and fully divine. The same Word that spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1) is the Word who would one day be born in a manger.

The Word Was With God (John 1:1)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God."
The phrase "the Word was with God" emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. From eternity past, the Son has been in perfect communion with the Father. This is not a distant relationship, but one of perfect unity, love, and fellowship. The Word is not a separate, independent entity, but one who has always been in the closest possible relationship with God.

As we think about the manger in Bethlehem, it’s important to remember that this same Word, who was with the Father, chose to step into time and space for the sake of our salvation. The closeness between the Father and the Son makes the incarnation all the more awe-inspiring—God, in His love, sending His eternal Son into the world to save us.

The Word Was God (John 1:1)
"The Word was God."
John makes an unmistakable declaration: the Word is not merely a divine messenger or representative of God, but the Word is God. Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, shares in the full divinity of God. There is no ambiguity here—Christ is fully and completely God. He is not a lesser being or an angel, but God Himself, worthy of our worship and praise.

The implications of this truth are profound. The baby in the manger is not just a baby. He is the Creator of the universe, the One who holds all things together by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17). This baby, lying in the humble cradle, is the eternal God, the second person of the Trinity, coming to dwell among us.

The Word as the Source of Life (John 1:4)
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men."
John continues to describe the Word as the source of all life. Everything that exists, both in the physical and spiritual realms, owes its existence to Christ. "In Him was life" speaks to the very essence of Christ’s being—He is the giver of life, both physical and eternal. Without Him, there is no life.

This is especially important when we consider the context of His birth. Christ, who is the source of all life, enters into the world He created as a helpless infant. The Creator humbles Himself to enter the world He made, offering life to all who would receive Him.

The Light of the World (John 1:5)
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Christ, as the Word, is also the light of the world. In the midst of the darkness of sin and death, the light of Christ shines brightly. His light is not only a source of truth and guidance, but a symbol of hope, purity, and salvation. The darkness of this world cannot extinguish the light of Christ. His coming into the world is the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring light into a darkened world, and no matter how great the darkness seems, Christ’s light will always overcome.

As we reflect on the birth of Christ this Christmas, let us remember that the light that shone in the manger is the same light that shines into the hearts of believers today, dispelling the darkness of sin and bringing the hope of eternal life.

From Eternity to the Manger
In John 1:1-5, we are given a breathtaking view of the eternal Word who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This passage reminds us that Christ’s birth in the manger was not a mere historical event, but the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan to bring salvation to His people. The Word, who was with God and was God, entered into time and space, taking on human flesh to reveal God’s love and offer eternal life to all who believe.
As we celebrate Christ’s birth this Christmas season, let us not only marvel at the humility of the manger but also at the majesty of the One who was born there—the eternal God who, for our sake, became flesh. From eternity to the manger, we find the hope of the world in the person of Jesus Christ.

Join us this Sunday as we dive deeper into John 1:1-5 and discover the awe-inspiring truth of Christ’s eternal nature and His incredible humility in coming to us as a baby in a manger. Let us celebrate the Majesty of Christ this Christmas season!

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey