Transformed – teen devotion – December 25, 2022
One truth shared: The one whom we unwrap in the manger is truly God and helps us to know God.
In these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through him he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:2,3
Unwrapping God
Each family has their own traditions when it comes to opening gifts. Some open them on Christmas Eve. Others on Christmas morning. But whenever you open them, most of the unwrapping fun comes in the discovery. What is hidden underneath this wrapping paper and beneath all this tissue paper? In my humble opinion, some of the best gifts are ones in which a person can constantly discover new gifts hidden in each of the gifts.
As we unwrap God this Christmas, we have to get beyond the cliched ideas about him and discover new gifts hidden in the gift. What do we find when we unwrap this One lying in the manger? To say that we have found God doesn’t seem to go far enough. In fact, the writer of the verse above can’t seem to say enough about who he is. And we’ve only got two verses in front of us! Consider a few highlights:
- Jesus is the Way by which we know God. In other words, if you want to know what God is like, you have to listen to his Son. He is the One through whom God speaks.
- Jesus is the One who made this world and everything in it together with the Father. Indeed, he still holds this world together with his almighty, creative, and creative Word.
- He is the radiance of God’s glory. To say it simply, the Son is the reflection of God, but not like you when you look in the mirror. He is the real deal. Truly and fully, God. He isn’t a knock-off Nike. He is the original, the real, and the only true God.
As we keep pulling back the wrapping paper on this child lying in the manger, he is truly a wonder to behold. Today, just marvel at what you find there and know that he is fully for you. It may seem cliché to say it, yet it is true. This one whom we unwrap is your God and your Savior. He is yours, and you are his. Merry Christmas!
Prayer: Lord God, you were given by the Father for me. You came down from heaven for me. Thank you. Help me to look to you as God’s highest gift to me. Amen.
