When the Hebrews wanted to speak of certain characteristics of individuals, they might say they were “sons of thunder” or “children of darkness”. This meant they were noisy, or missing vital knowledge.
In Isaiah 9:6 the prophet said of Jesus that He was the “Eternal Father”—meaning He always existed. There never was a time when He did not exist. This is a vivid way to convey the thought and is a powerful expression.
Micah describes Messiah as Someone Who existed “from the days of eternity”.
When we come to the New Testament, we find John introducing Jesus as the One Who existed from eternity, and all that exists came to be through His creative power.
Today some religious people think that Jesus had a beginning in the distant past, while others teach that Jesus’ beginning occurred in Bethlehem. So, there are varying ideas on Jesus’ beginning.
We hold to the teaching that somehow the child in the manger was—at the same time—the eternal One Who had no beginning.
If we view the child as only human, then our emotions must be merely sentimental at Christmas and not worshipful. But, if you pay attention to the many carols of Christmas, you will see how many tell of the One in the manger as the eternal One Who deserves our praise and adoration as the One “from the days of eternity”, “the eternal Father”.
May the Holy Spirit shine truth into countless hearts this holy season to grant a glorious spirit of worship, wonder and praise for the Eternal Father—the One from the days of eternity, the One from the beginning.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin's womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th'incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
[Refrain]
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
[Refrain]
- Charles Wesley and George Whitefield
