Advent: December 6, 2024
Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
At Advent, we remember and celebrate that Jesus has come.
Who is Jesus according to the author Hebrews? Jesus is how God has spoken in the last days. Jesus is the one appointed by God as the heir of all things. Jesus is the one through whom God created the world. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s nature. Jesus upholds the universe through his powerful word. Jesus makes purification for sins. Jesus has sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Jesus is superior to angels.
Holy! Holy! Holy!
Hebrews 1:1-4 celebrates the coming of Jesus.
Jesus, the Creator of atoms, the universe, and what looks like the infinity of the universe.
Jesus, the very Glory of what Ezekiel saw in his vision in Ezekiel 1.
Jesus, the exact imprint of the nature of the unseen God. Jesus, God becomes observable.
Jesus, the One who keeps atoms from exploding and planets from flying off into the universe through his wise creation of gravity, the One who balances all of creation on a razor’s edge.
Jesus, the One who washes away sin. Jesus, the One whose work was so complete that he sat down at God the Father’s right hand. Jesus, the One who is superior to angels.
Hebrews 1:1-4 should move us to awe.
Listen to what the writer of Hebrews goes on to say about Jesus: Hebrews 2:10-11 (ESV) For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,
There’s a lot here but focus on the fact that because Jesus suffered, he brought God’s people to glory. In bringing us to glory he also sanctifies us. Because of being brought to glory and sanctification we, along with Jesus, glory in the Father. As a result, Jesus dares to call us “brothers”, family. My goodness!
At Advent we celebrate these glories because Jesus has come to make them known and invites us to relationship with him as a part of the family of God. Enjoy!