The Christmas Carols: Past, Present, & Future HopeSample

Day 6

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, but He has also 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.