Transformed – teen devotion – December 29, 2024

God gives himself to us in Christ. It is the gift we desperately needed. It was the gift we didn’t deserve.

“But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

Exodus 3:20

God Gives Himself as One of Us

Moses had asked God to see his glory. God compromised with him. Moses could see his back and his goodness, but he could not see his face, because no one can see the face of God and live

Mary and Joseph looked down into the manger at the face of the infant child staring back at them. They looked upon the face of the eternal God.

This is the mystery of the incarnation. That the God whom no one can look upon without dying masked his glory in human flesh so that everyone could see him.

Do you want to know God? Look at Christ.

Want to know God’s compassion? Look at how Jesus’ heart went out to the people who flocked to him. They were like sheep without a shepherd.

Want to know God’s power? See the Son of God heal the sick, drive out demons, and raise the dead to life.

Want to know God’s love? See Jesus hanging on the cross pouring out his life to repair the broken relationship between God and man.

Who could but sigh: Immanuel (God with us)! Who could but shout: Immanuel! (Christian Worship 330:2)

God gives himself to us in Christ. It is the gift we desperately needed. It was the gift we didn’t deserve.

Sit in wonder as you look upon the face of God veiled in flesh. See his glory in the grace he shows to you.

He took on that flesh for you. He took on that flesh that it might be pierced by nails and put to death to pay for your sins. He took on that flesh that you might have eternal life.

What a miracle! What a gift!

Prayer:
Father in heaven, fill my heart with wonder and thanksgiving as I ponder the gift of the Christ-child. Amen.