The story of the Red Rider BB gun was not the first Christmas Story. The New Testament has several versions: Matthew's version tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the Joseph side of the story. It is the place we find Joseph struggling with a dilemma, and the angel of God assuring him of what he needed to do. Luke's version tells the story from Mary's experience, as well as the miracle for Zechariah and Elizabeth, who was Mary's cousin.
Sometimes we think that's the whole story, but the disciple, John, gave us a unique viewpoint. He did not talk about Mary, Joseph, shepherds or wise men. John saw a bigger picture. (John 1:1-18)
Here are some of the unique words and phrases John used:
LOGOS - the WORD...Jesus is the Word, the Creator, the Life-and Light-Giver, who shines in our darkness.
SARX - HUMAN...Jesus, the creator and sustainer of the universe, took on humanity, with it's limitations, trials, and testings. He made His home among us.
DOXA - GLORY...He is full of unfailing love and faithfulness, and we can see and share His GLORY.
We could spend many hours/days/years studying these words and never get to the end of their deepest meanings.
Then John drops these wonderful thoughts on us:
"From His abundance, we have all received one gracious blessing after another."
"The law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ."
"No one has ever seen God, but His one and only (unique) Son, who is Himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us."
That's Christmas.
