IN THE FLESH

Ricky Bobby (Will Farrell in Talladega Nights) loves the little 8 lb 6 oz, infant baby Jesus and somewhat irreverently reminds us of most people's vision of our Lord at Christmas time. They are comfortable with a baby, born to humble circumstances, who grew up to teach peace and brotherly love. Man likes to fashion God in a comfortable package.

However, Scripture paints a different vision of the appearance of the incarnate Christ, Emmanuel (God with us) on earth in the flesh:

The baby Jesus was an eternal spiritual being and the creator of all things:

John 1:1-4 1 In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him (Jesus) all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

The baby Jesus left the throne room of heaven on a mission for men:

Philippians 2:5-11 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The baby Jesus is a winner with an impressive resume with titles:

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The baby Jesus is the supreme Lord of Reconciliation:

Colossians 1:15-21 The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 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. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

The baby Jesus is Savior, Lord, the only begotten Son of the Living God:

Matthew 1:30 - 35 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God.

Let’s test our vision of who the baby Jesus is. Let’s challenge others this season and speak out about the coming of Emmanuel, God with us.