So often when we speak of Christmas it’s about when Jesus was born, and rightly so. However, and this is how my mind works, what was happening before that prophetic event? Jesus’ incarnation, God taking on human form, happened within a timeframe, but where and when did that plan develop? The trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, outside of time, must have discussed it, right?
Even though scripture doesn’t package the plan and tie it up with bow, there are passages that describe that supernatural event. Consider these:
“I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.” John 17:4-5 NLT
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2 ESV
The Father gave the Son an assignment before the world began; that makes it outside of time. Stay with me …
“For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” John 6:38 NLT
“Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” John 17:24 NLT
Was there a ‘heavenly huddle’ when the Father explained the Plan of Redemption? Interesting thought because humanity hadn’t been created, nor the world which He prepared for us, which begs the question, “redemption from what?” Hmmmm.
God knows everything, including the future of mankind, consequently, His love for us overrode the consideration of scratching the Plan. If I were God, I certainly would have. Jesus understood and was willing to accept the assignment of incarnation along with its consequences.
(Jesus), though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:6-7 ESV
Simply put, when Jesus, who is equal to God, was in heaven listening to His Father’s plan, He accepted it knowing the outcome. He didn’t hold tightly to His divinity, being God Himself, but emptied Himself for a time and became human: incarnation. Why in the world would He do that?
The answer is clear; He did it because of you. We don’t understand that kind of love and sacrifice because we love others when they deserve it. We hold back when people in our life are treating us badly and downright mean. Jesus doesn’t act like that; His love is called grace, and trust me, you don’t deserve it.
As we prepare for the celebration of the incarnation let’s keep this thought in the forefront of our mind:
… for the joy that was set before Him.
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