The essence of Christmas, according to biblical scholar Jeremiah J. Johnston, lies not in the outward rituals and traditions, but in the profound significance of Jesus’ incarnation and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s will. Johnston highlights Jesus’ first recorded words, as quoted in Hebrews 10:5-7, which reveal his mission to obey God wholeheartedly. These words, drawn from Psalm 40:6-8, express a pre-incarnate conversation between Jesus and God, demonstrating Jesus’ pre-existence and his eternal purpose. Jesus’ arrival addressed a critical need in a world grappling with both religious and political exhaustion. The complex and burdensome religious system of the time, characterized by hundreds of laws, had transformed faith into a mechanical exercise devoid of genuine devotion. Simultaneously, the Roman Empire, despite its Pax Romana, failed to deliver true peace to a population burdened by short lifespans, widespread disease, and pervasive slavery.
Jesus’ birth, therefore, marked a radical departure from the prevailing paradigm. His mission was not to adhere to empty rituals or wield political power, but to offer true peace through complete obedience to God’s will. This is evident in his first recorded words: “Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, O God.” This statement encapsulates the core of Jesus’ purpose and underscores the importance of inward faithfulness over outward performance. The phrase “in the scroll” further emphasizes Jesus’ unwavering commitment to scripture, a commitment he maintained throughout his life and ministry. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, often performed without genuine faith, Jesus’ sacrifice was a voluntary and heartfelt act of obedience.
Johnston emphasizes that God desires sincere devotion, not empty religious acts. Jesus’ willing sacrifice stands in stark contrast to the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, demonstrating the profound difference between mere ritual and genuine surrender to God’s will. Jesus’ sacrifice was preordained, planned before the creation of the world, signifying the eternal nature of God’s plan and Jesus’ crucial role in it. This act of ultimate obedience reveals the true nature of worship, which lies not in external practices but in the inward transformation of the heart. As Christmas approaches, Johnston encourages a reflection on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words and actions. The true essence of Christmas, he argues, is captured in Jesus’ mission of wholehearted obedience to God.
The incarnation, Johnston explains, was essential for Jesus to atone for sin and fulfill God’s will through his death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus’ life serves as a powerful reminder that true worship requires heartfelt obedience, a transformation impossible to achieve without his atoning sacrifice. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we are called to emulate Jesus’ example by dedicating our lives to God with sincere devotion, demonstrating his love and peace through our actions, and placing our trust in him. This echoes Jesus’ message of prioritizing genuine faith over empty rituals, reminding us of the transformative power of inward devotion.
Johnston’s interpretation of Jesus’ first recorded words underscores the core message of Christmas. It is a message of hope and redemption, rooted in the willing sacrifice of God’s son and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s divine plan. This message calls for a shift in focus from the external trappings of the season to the internal transformation that true faith demands. The act of Christmas becomes not merely a celebration of a historical event but a personal commitment to emulate Jesus’ example of heartfelt devotion.
In essence, Johnston’s message is a call to action. He urges us to move beyond the superficial celebrations of the season and embrace the profound significance of Jesus’ incarnation. By offering ourselves in sincere devotion to God, mirroring Jesus’ unwavering obedience, we can truly experience the transformative power of Christmas and live out its message of love, peace, and redemption. This deep understanding of Jesus’ purpose, Johnston argues, is the key to experiencing the true meaning of Christmas and living a life of genuine faith.
