In the Beginning

By Danny Saavedra

“In the beginning God . . .”—Genesis 1:1 (NIV)

Did you know the Christmas story doesn’t begin when Gabriel visited Mary? It actually begins way before that . . . at the very beginning! That’s right, this story’s genesis is found in Genesis, all the way back to creation itself. You may be asking yourself, “Where is the Christmas story in that passage?”

You see, John 1:1–3 (NIV, emphasis added) tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Colossians 1:15–17 (NIV, emphasis added) says it this way: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” And after He had finished, Genesis 1:31 (NIV) says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

You see, God’s creation was perfect. It’s been said the secret ingredient to the best dishes or the most amazing works of art is love. This expression essentially means the chef or artist pours their heart and soul into their creation, thus explaining the excellence of their work. When we read the opening chapter of God’s Word, we see the secret ingredient to God’s “very good” creation is undoubtedly love. How so? Well, consider how God created humans last. This means that, by the time God breathed life into Adam (and by extension us), He had already provided us with everything we’d ever need! He had given us food, water, warmth, shade, an abundance of oxygen, and vibrant beauty. Like a puzzle, everything was in its perfect place.

He had taken care of our every need and given us all we could ever ask, think, or imagine before we ever took our first breath of life. He poured His love into every act of creation. And today, thousands of years later, even in this world’s fallen state, we’re still enjoying the fruits of His labor of love.

But the story doesn’t stop there because the universe didn’t remain in its perfect state. Sin entered the world and brought death. It threw everything into chaos. But God had a plan. John 1:14 (NIV) tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

This is what the Christmas season is all about. God became man and made His dwelling among us so that through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we could receive our King. Have you opened yourself to Him? Have you, in your heart, prepared Him room so the King of kings who made His dwelling among us could make His dwelling within you and be your friend, your Savior, and your Lord? If so, praise God! If you haven’t yet given Him your heart and life, may this Christmas season be the new beginning of your story!

Sabbath is all about resting well and setting aside time to be present with God and others. Besides going to church and worshiping, rest can also look like spending time doing things that bring you joy. Today, take some time to slow down and breathe. If you live with roommates or your family, listen to a worship song together. Spend time praying that God will show you more about Himself over the next ten days.