December 1
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)
The author of Hebrews reminds his readers that God desired humanity to know Him. This, in and of itself, should cause us to pause and marvel. The Creator of all things wants us to know Him! And so, over the course of human history, He utilized prophets as His agents of communicating Himself. He did not do it just once, but many times! The means by which He communicated to the prophets were many—visions, dreams, audible voices, angels, a burning bush, and more. But these agents of communication were infinitely inferior to what was to come.
On Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation—a Superior Revelator. The eternal God entered time and space. He clothed Himself with humanity and chose to take on Himself the limitations of a human body. He became a Superior Revelator and provided a Superior Revelation.
The author of Hebrews makes it clear that
1) the prophets were temporary—their ministries were limited to one lifetime, and when they died new prophets would be needed;
2) they were just humans—they did not speak as God but on behalf of God; and
3) the revelation that they provided was indirect—they were merely a mediator of revelation, not the revelation.
One the other hand,
1) God the Son is eternal—He has always existed and, in fact, was intimately involved in the creation of everything;
2) He is one with God the Father—Jesus is not just a mediator of revelation but the source of revelation; and
3) the revelation He provides is direct—He spoke not merely as a communicator of revelation but as the revelation.
As we celebrate Christmas, may we never forget that God wants to be known! He wants to be known so much that He not only provided general revelation (creation around us and the moral law within us), but He has revealed Himself many times, over thousands of years! But in “these last days” He has revealed Himself through the Son!
This Christmas season, may we strive to be as passionate about making Him known as He is passionate to be known!