The Nativity of Our Lord
John 1:1-18
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) So the author of the letter to Hebrews reminds you of the means of God’s presence in the Old Testament. God is always present in His Word, and long ago His Word was most often proclaimed by the prophets. But, at many times and in many ways, God also spoke to the fathers. Abraham had dinner with God. (cf. Genesis 18:1-15) Jacob wrestled with God. (Genesis 32:22-32) Moses spoke with God in a burning bush. (Exodus 3) Isaiah was granted a vision of the heavenly throne room. (Isaiah 6) Daniel had night visions.
But now, in these latter days, God’s presence among men is through His Son. There are still prophets, so to speak, who relate to men the Word of God. However, unlike the prophets of long ago, the prophets today speak the Word already revealed in the Scripture, nothing that was told them in a vision or dream, because that’s how God interacted long ago. So, to you it is given to hear the Word of God as it has been handed down from the Apostles and Prophets, recounted for you again and again, because you need to hear it again and again, hear the message of the Gospel again and again, that the Son of God was incarnate of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, buried, and rose again, all for your forgiveness, life, and salvation.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…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.
The beginning—long ago—the Word existed as was given to man by way of dinners and wrestling matches and visions and dreams. Now, the Word still exists and is given to man in flesh and blood.