12/14/25, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service

This powerful message invites us to see beyond the manger scene and grasp the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. Drawing from John 1, Philippians 2, and Hebrews 1, we're reminded that Christmas morning wasn't the beginning of Jesus—He existed from all eternity as the Word, the Creator, and God Himself. The sermon walks us through eight profound descriptions of Christ: Word, Life, Light, Flesh, One and Only, Jesus, Christ, and God. Each title reveals a facet of His divine nature and mission. The imagery of moving baby Jesus closer to the nativity scene each day before Christmas serves as a beautiful metaphor for keeping Christ at the center of our celebrations. But the deeper truth challenges us: when we look at that baby in the manger, do we see just a helpless infant, or do we recognize God incarnate—the mighty Creator who humbled Himself to dwell among us? This perspective transforms everything. Understanding that Jesus is the eternal God who holds all things together, who spoke creation into existence, who is the very radiance of God's glory, makes His birth not just a sweet story but an earth-shattering event. For those of us who believe, this truth deepens our worship. For those still searching, it presents the unavoidable question: is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or truly Lord? There's no middle ground for a 'good moral teacher' who claimed equality with God.

Discussion Questions (can be used with small groups or personal devotions):

• His birth and the cross seem to be the two most predominant times we consider Jesus. What prevents us from thinking more of Christ prior to the incarnation?

• Why is it important to believe in the preincarnate existence of Christ?

• What is the significance of John 17:5 and Philippians 2:6?

• More plainly, why is it vital that we believe in the deity (being God) of Jesus Christ?

• How would you reply to someone who believes Jesus became a God? How would you reply to someone who believes Jesus was created (had a beginning)?

• Why could Jesus not be “just” a good moral teacher but nothing else He claimed?