Jesus existed before being born on Earth. The Bible states that fact.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God…. 14 And the Word [Capital “W” so it is a proper noun. Jesus is the “Word.”] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14 Jesus was there at Creation.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, 18 I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’” Revelation 1:17-18
However, God’s only Son came from a glorious heavenly home to be born as a child on Earth. Jesus came from a place free from the ravages of sin but chose to go to an iniquity-infested world for an essential, divine purpose. His purpose was to be the ultimate sacrifice for professing believers to be saved from an eternal punishment due them because of their inherited and committed sin.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child… 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:4-20
Jesus knew He was born here to die. He surrendered Himself to be the ultimate sacrifice for all who would trust His gift to be the sacrifice for their sins.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:9-10
With all Jesus knew about who He was, where He came from, and all the terrible treatments and tortures He would face on Earth, He still came. He endured sufferings and unpleasantness so that all who would accept His ultimate sacrifice as payment for all their sins would be spared from an eternal, tormenting Hell. He was a willing sacrifice for what we did.
Has Jesus’ birth and suffering on Earth been for naught because you never accepted His gift for your iniquities? Or do you have a special reason to celebrate His birth because He came to be your personal Saviour?
I am glad Jesus became the greatest sacrifice for us! If He did not, none of us would have any hope because He is the only way anyone can get to Heaven.“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“The sacrifice of Jesus is the only reason for our salvation.” — Spurgeon
