Anthem for Christmas
Read: John 1:1-4
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem marked the beginning of many things, most notably the beginning of HIs earthly life. However, Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was not the beginning of Jesus’ existence. His “beginning” goes way before that first Christmas. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse is absolutely full of meaning:
- “In the beginning was the Word.” That is, in the time that we know of as the beginning (referring of course to the events of Genesis chapter 1, and the creation of the world), the Word ALREADY “WAS!” The One known as “the Word” was already in existence when everything was created.
- “The Word.” John 1 lets us know that the “Word” is Jesus. Words express things. Jesus as the “Word” expresses to us who God really is.
- “The Word was God.” Likewise, this verse lets us know that Jesus is God. Therefore, Jesus not only did not have His “beginning” in Bethlehem, He has no “beginning” at all! God exists eternally. He was not created, has always been, and always will be.
This verse places Jesus in an appropriately eternal context. At Christmas we celebrate the Eternal God humbling Himself in a human birth . . . God became man so that man can be with God. Michael W. Smith’s song “The Anthem of Christmas” tells this cosmic story – from creation to the cradle and beyond. In this song may we all find the words to proclaim His love this Christmas.
Anthem for Christmas
In the space of the beginning
Was the living Word of Light
When this Word was clearly spoken
All that came to be was right
All creation had a language
Words to say what must be said
All day long the heavens whispered
Signing words in scarlet red
Some failed to understand it
So God spoke His final Word
On a silent night in Judah’s
Hills a baby’s cry was heard
“Glory!” sang the angel chorus
“Glory!” echoed back the night
Love has come to walk among us
Christ the Lord is born this night
All creation sing His praises
Earth and heaven praise His name
All who live come join the chorus
Find the words His love proclaim
Find the words His love proclaim
To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.
To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.