The Christmas season for many is about baby Jesus in a manger. Wise men, gifts and other holiday traditions are usually emphasized as well. While I am happy that at least some folks still remember Jesus in some form and fashion, Jesus is so much more than a baby! While His virgin birth and the events surrounding His entry into this world are miraculous, there is much more to Jesus than His birth and infancy.
Firstly, there is His servant-hood. Thankfully Jesus did not stay as a baby in a manger! He grew “…in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52b). His growth enabled Him to fulfill the greatest example of servant-hood the world has ever known! In fact, Jesus is the perfect “example” of what real servant-hood is all about (1 Peter 2:21). He served His Father (Matthew 26:42; Luke 2:49; John 5:30); He served His fellow man (John 13:4ff; Philippians 2:5-8); and He even served His foes (Luke 23:34). His servant-hood shows that He is more than just a baby!
Secondly, there is His self-sacrifice. Jesus’ purpose for becoming flesh was not to remain in a manger as an infant, but rather was to “…seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10b). His self-sacrifice is seen in His incarnation (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8); His self-sacrifice is seen in His humiliation (Luke 9:58); and His self-sacrifice is seen in His termination (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16). Thank the Father above for Jesus and His Self-Sacrifice!
Thirdly, there is His Second Coming. While many like to think of sweet, little, baby Jesus, He is much more than that! In fact, sadly, many people leave Jesus in the manger for their entire lives, never realizing that He is much more than a baby! In fact, one day He will appear with all His holy angels to judge the world (Matthew 25:31ff; Acts 17:31). Wouldn’t it be tragic to leave Jesus in the manger in our minds, only to be shocked and unprepared to meet Him at His Second Coming?
While it is true Jesus made His first advent into this world as a baby, He did not remain as such. The Jesus that the world really needs is more than a baby! His servant-hood, self-sacrifice and Second Coming all point to that fact that Jesus grew. While we may occasionally reflect upon the Savior’s birth, our minds cannot stay there. Dear reader believe me when I say, Jesus is more than a baby!
