The following blog is part of an Advent series called “Why Jesus Came,” a collection of devotionals exploring different reasons Jesus came to Earth. Sign up here to receive daily devotionals this Advent season.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:1-5
In the beginning, God created—and Jesus was with Him.
Jesus’ arrival in a stable was not His beginning. He was not created. Jesus, like God, has always existed because Jesus is God.
When God said, “‘Let there be light (Genesis 1:3),’” Jesus was there. Not only that but the light was made “Through him” because “without him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3).” God carried out His creative works through His Son.
Jesus actively participated in the creation of Heaven and Earth. He was there when the sea, the land, the trees, the sky, and the animals were made. He was there when man was formed from dust and when the breath of God entered his lungs. He was there when everything was beautiful, peaceful, and perfect.
And He was there when the darkness of sin first marred His beloved creation.
The darkness spread like wildfire. Jesus watched as those created in God’s image—in Christ’s image—rebelled and cursed their Creator. He saw how their sin led to unimaginably painful consequences—banishment, enslavement, exile, and death. He listened as they cried out for deliverance, for a savior to rescue them.
Soon, Jesus would respond to that cry. Soon, He would come into the world He created with God, and He would come bearing a new light. This light would pierce through the darkness of sin and reveal the very presence of God. Light was coming, and the darkness would not be able to overcome it.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” -John 1:9