Christmas and Genesis

Introduction

Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus, but what does it have to do with the book of Genesis? The connection lies in the fact that Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, is the Creator of the world. In the movie industry, creators often make appearances in their own films, and in a similar way, God, the Creator, became flesh and entered His own creation.

The Incarnation of God

The birth of Jesus is not a fictional event like in the movies; it occurred in history. The baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas is none other than the One who created the world. John 1:1–5 tells us that all things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made. This means that the world is not a cosmic accident but was intentionally created by the Triune God.

Melito's Passover Sermon

Melito, Bishop of Sardis, preached an astounding sermon around 170 AD that beautifully expresses the significance of Jesus' birth. He recognized that the One born in Bethlehem is not just an ordinary baby but the Creator Himself. Melito's sermon highlights the paradox of Jesus being both the One who hung the earth in place and the One who was fixed in place on a tree.

Jesus: The Word and the Logos

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is referred to as the "Word" or "Logos." This term has its roots in Jewish teachings about the memra, which is found in Aramaic paraphrases of the Old Testament. The memra represents God's action and presence in creation. John 1 identifies Jesus as the embodiment of all aspects of the memra.

John's Gospel goes beyond Genesis by revealing that Jesus and the Father existed before creation. While Genesis 1 describes the creation of the universe, John 1 tells us that Jesus and the Father were present before time began. Jesus, as the Word, played a crucial role in creation, salvation, revelation, and making God visible to humanity.

The Proto-Gospel of Genesis 3:15

After Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced judgment on them but also provided a promise of redemption. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks to the serpent and foretells that the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent. This verse hints at the Virginal Conception prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and is interpreted by many, including the Jewish Targums, as referring to the Messiah.

Interestingly, when Eve gave birth to Cain, she made a statement that seems out of the ordinary. She said, "I have gotten a man: the L (YHWH)." This statement indicates that Eve understood that the promised seed would be both God and man. However, she was mistaken in believing that Cain was the fulfillment of this promise. The true seed of the woman would be born to Mary in Bethlehem about 4,000 years later.

Jesus' Human Lineage

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus' human lineage is traced back to Adam. Luke treats all historical characters as equally real and does not suggest any mythical figures. This genealogy is important because it demonstrates Jesus' connection to a real first man, Adam. The common descent from Adam is crucial for understanding Jesus' role as the Kinsman-Redeemer and His ability to save mankind.

The Importance of Genesis History

The historical accuracy of Genesis is essential for understanding the gospel's message and its relevance to all people. If we dismiss Genesis as non-historical or mythical, it raises questions about how we can preach the gospel to different cultures and ethnicities. The biblical account of Adam and Eve provides the foundation for our common humanity and our need for redemption through Jesus, the Last Adam.

Why This Matters

Understanding the connection between Christmas and Genesis helps us appreciate the significance of Jesus' birth. It reminds us that Jesus is more than just a baby in a manger; He is the Creator of the universe who became flesh to save humanity. Recognizing the historical reality of Jesus' birth and His role in creation strengthens our faith and deepens our understanding of God's love for us.

Think About It

Consider how the truth of Jesus' birth as the Creator impacts your view of Christmas. How does knowing that Jesus existed before time began change your perspective on His earthly ministry? Reflect on the significance of Jesus being both fully God and fully man. How does this shape your understanding of salvation and redemption? Take time to thank God for His incredible love and grace demonstrated through the Incarnation.