The Father in the Manger

Jesus expressed the mystery of the trinity when he stated, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Many beloved, Christmas-related scriptures support Jesus proclamation.

Jesus was born to be the Savior of mankind. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17). However, God the Father also describes Himself as our Savior “I, I am Yehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior” (Isaiah 43:3). He later restates this truth even more emphatically, “I, I am Yehovah, and besides me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11). The Father would continue to be our only savior as He saved us by and through His unity with Jesus.

The arrival of the savior was prophesized to be announced by a forerunner (Isaiah 40:3). John the Baptist identified himself as fulfilling that role, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said” (John 1:23).

The full impact of the prophecy is missed by our English translation. “The Lord” in the Hebrew text is actually “Yehovah” - the name of God the Father. “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of Yehovah, make straight in the desert a highway for our God!” John was announcing the coming of God to the earth in the person of Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 also speaks of the oneness of the Father with Jesus. “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Note that the Son is identified as the “Mighty God, (Deuteronomy 10:17) and the Eternal Father (Deuteronomy 32:6).”

Mighty God: “For Yehovah your God is the God of gods and the Master (Adonai) of human sovereigns, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality” (Deuteronomy 10:17)

Eternal Father: “Is not He [Yehovah] your father, who created you, who made you and established you?” (Deuteronomy 32:6)

Isaiah brings together the identity of God as our Savior and our father, “You, O Yehovah, are our Father, our Redeemer from everlasting is your name” (Isaiah 63:16-17). Father and Son may share these titles because of the truth of John 10:30.

Finally, Father and Son are brought together in the virgin birth. “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). Just as the forerunner prepared the way for Yehovah, the virgin gives birth as a means for God to dwell amongst us.

God showed His infinite love for us by coming to earth in human form, dying and rising again. Let us share this good news with all we encounter this Christmas season. Merry Christmas and may God bless you!