12 22 2024 STEPHEN DAVIS - What is Christmas all about?

Genesis 1:1–Genesis 2:25: God’s Creation as a Gift to Himself The opening chapters of Genesis provide a profound account of God’s creation of the universe, culminating in humanity as the crowning jewel of His work. Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This simple yet powerful statement reveals God’s role as the sovereign Creator, setting the stage for all that follows. Through each day of creation, God forms and fills the universe—bringing order, life, and beauty into being. After each act of creation, God pronounces it “good” (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25). On the sixth day, God creates humanity, described as being made “in His own image” (Genesis 1:26-27). Unlike the rest of creation, humans are imbued with a unique reflection of God’s character, tasked with dominion over the earth and stewardship of its resources (Genesis 1:28-30). God’s creation of man and woman culminates in His declaration that all He had made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). This emphasizes the special place humanity holds in God’s creative order, not as an afterthought, but as the pinnacle of His work—a “first fruits” of creation. In Genesis 2, the narrative zooms in on the intimate creation of Adam and Eve. God forms Adam from the dust of the ground and breathes life into him (Genesis 2:7), a personal act that signifies humanity’s deep connection to both the Creator and creation. Eve is created as a companion, fashioned from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22). Together, they embody the fullness of God’s design for relational unity and fellowship—both with one another and with God. In these chapters, creation can be seen as a gift that God offers to Himself. As the Creator, God delights in the work of His hands, resting on the seventh day to savor the completion of His perfect creation (Genesis 2:2-3). The intimate relationship God establishes with humanity reflects His desire for fellowship, making humanity’s existence an act of worship and a foretaste of the greater redemption story to come. The creation narrative finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ, as foretold throughout the Old Testament. The prophetic writings, such as Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2, speak of a coming Messiah who would restore humanity to its intended relationship with God. Jesus, the “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15), embodies the fulfillment of God’s creative purpose. Through Him, all things were made (John 1:3), and through His incarnation, God enters His creation to redeem it. The birth of Jesus marks a new beginning, paralleling the first act of creation. Just as God breathed life into Adam, the Holy Spirit brings life to Mary’s womb (Luke 1:35), ushering in the advent of Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus’ humanity reflects the image of God in its fullness, untainted by sin, and His life and ministry restore the broken relationship between Creator and creation. What Is Christmas All About? When viewed through the lens of creation and the birth of Christ, Christmas takes on a profound significance. At its core, Christmas is about the Creator stepping into His creation to fulfill the promise of redemption. It celebrates the moment when God’s gift of creation—marred by sin—is renewed through the gift of His Son. In today’s culture, Christmas often centers on traditions, gifts, and festivities. While these can be meaningful expressions of joy, the heart of Christmas lies in recognizing the ultimate gift: God’s love manifested in Jesus Christ. This season invites believers to reflect on the Creator’s purpose in making humanity and His unrelenting desire to restore fellowship with us. The “first fruits” of creation, represented by Adam and Eve, find their fulfillment in the “firstborn” of the new creation, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Christmas, then, is not merely a celebration of a historical event but an invitation to participate in the ongoing story of God’s redemptive plan. Just as God delighted in His creation and gave it to Himself, He now calls us to delight in His Son and offer our lives back to Him in worship. In this way, Christmas becomes a reflection of God’s original gift of creation and a foretaste of the new heaven and new earth to come (Revelation 21:1-5).