Read: Revelation 5:12
They had turned the barn into a rustic theater with folding chairs and a wooden platform at the front, decorated with all things country. After they shooed off the dog who had wandered onto it, the bluegrass musicians took to the stage. One guitarist captured my attention with his skill and, well, just outstanding musicianship. “He’s the District Attorney,” a local resident whispered to her visitor. I had difficulty imagining the overall-clad man with the plaid shirt and guitar confidently standing in a business suit before a judge. Here was one person with two different personas, both very real and competent.
Jesus, the Word, was present with the Father at creation. All things were made through him, and without him, nothing was made. Next, we see the infant Jesus, whose birthday we are celebrating. This helpless newborn doesn’t look like a creator of galaxies, yet He is. Because of His love, He became one of us to grow, live, teach, perform miracles, and prepare the way to the Father. He became the Way.
Yet John the Baptist sees another persona while he is baptizing others. He points to Jesus and cries, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John is referring to the fact that Jesus will become the perfect sacrifice for salvation, the last lamb in the Jewish tradition to give his life for the forgiveness of sins.
Finally, in the Book of Revelation, we see Jesus in heaven, as a lamb once again, opening scrolls only He can open. And the heavenly host sings His praise.
At the end of the tribulation that will follow, we see a triumphant, powerful judge riding to separate the lambs from the goats. Jesus will judge, sentence, reward, and renew.
One God, three persons, co-equal, co-eternal. And today we worship the Son as an infant. Perhaps we are only partly correct in calling Him a “helpless” babe.
Holy God, You are a creator, restorer, sacrificial lamb, innocent babe, and judge. You will return to create a new heaven and earth. We bow before Your glory, Your very Nature, that is always true and perfect.
