The Permanence of Christmas: Jesus as the Eternal God-Man

The Permanence of Christmas: Jesus as the Eternal God-Man

Christmas is not just a celebration of Jesus' birth, but also a recognition of his eternal nature as the God-man. It goes beyond a mere historical event and reveals a profound truth about Jesus' ongoing presence in our lives. While his earthly ministry lasted only 33 years, Jesus continues to be our brother, forever bridging the gap between God and humanity. In this article, we will explore the biblical foundations of Jesus' permanence and its significance for our lives today.

The Word Became Flesh

In the Gospel of John, we read that "the Word became flesh" (John 1:14). This profound statement encapsulates the eternal nature of Jesus as the Son of God who took on human form. It wasn't a temporary change or a mere disguise; Jesus permanently united his divinity with our humanity. He became fully God and fully man, and this union is an essential aspect of his identity.

Imagine a powerful king who chooses to become a commoner, living among the people he rules. He doesn't just put on a disguise but becomes one of them, experiencing their joys and struggles firsthand. Similarly, Jesus didn't just appear as a human for a short time; he permanently embraced our human nature, entering into our world and becoming intimately acquainted with our human experience.

The Ascension and the Continuing Incarnation

At Jesus' ascension, we witness another aspect of his permanence as the God-man. Acts 1:9-11 describes how Jesus was taken up into heaven while the disciples watched. As he disappeared from their sight, two angels appeared and said, "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

This statement implies that Jesus' ascension was not the end of his physical presence but the beginning of a new phase. He entered into the heavenly realm while retaining his humanity. Jesus didn't shed his human nature like a discarded garment; he carried it with him into eternity. He remains the God-man, forever displaying the visible image of the invisible God.

The Eternal Mediator

Jesus' permanent union of divinity and humanity has profound implications for us. As the eternal God-man, he serves as our mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity. In 1 Timothy 2:5, we are reminded that "there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

Jesus' humanity allows him to understand our struggles and temptations, for he experienced them himself during his earthly life. Hebrews 4:15 declares, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Jesus' permanent human nature enables him to intercede for us effectively, as he intimately knows our human condition.

An Ever-Present Savior

Knowing that Jesus remains the God-man even today brings great comfort and assurance. He is not a distant deity who observes us from afar but a loving and understanding Savior who is intimately involved in our lives. Hebrews 13:8 assures us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Just as Jesus walked among his disciples during his earthly ministry, he continues to walk with us today. He is present in our joys and sorrows, our victories and defeats. He understands our struggles and offers us comfort and guidance. We can approach him with confidence, knowing that he fully understands and empathizes with our human experience.

The Significance for Today and the Future

Understanding the permanence of Jesus' humanity has profound implications for our lives today and in the future. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, for we have a Savior who intimately knows and understands us. It encourages us to approach him with confidence, knowing that he is always present and available to help us in our time of need.

Furthermore, recognizing Jesus as the eternal God-man challenges us to live in light of this truth. We are called to imitate Christ, to embody his love, grace, and compassion in our interactions with others. Just as he permanently united divinity and humanity, we are called to bridge the gap between God and humanity in our own lives, representing Christ to the world.

As we celebrate Christmas this year and in the years to come, let us not only remember Jesus' birth but also reflect on his eternal nature as the God-man. Let us embrace the reality that Jesus is still human, forever bridging the gap between God and humanity. And let us live in light of this truth, imitating Christ and sharing his love with a world in need.