Paul opens his letter to the Romans with a confession that says two big things about our Savior: “regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David … Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:3-4). In those two verses are both Jesus’ humility and his glory.
Jesus entered history through a human family. As a descendant of David, he shared our flesh and blood, our limitations and suffering. This humility matters, but also his glory as God matters. This is the good news – that the right person was born to take on, but also get rid of, our burden.
Many people are willing to accept the first part. Jesus was a real human being who . . . . lived about 2,000 years ago. He taught wisely. He showed compassion. He left behind good sayings about love. But it doesn’t stop there. This same Jesus was “appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead.” He is beyond a teacher. He is our Lord.
The Christian writer, C. S. Lewis, famously pointed out that we can’t say, “I accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but not as God.” Jesus did not give us that option, and neither does the Bible. If Jesus is not God, Christmas isn’t Christmas. Grace isn’t grace. Because only a perfect God can make a perfect sacrifice.
A full Christmas keeps both truths. It rejoices in Jesus as a little baby and confesses him as the risen Lord. He was born of David, yet reigns forever for us and all who believe.
3 … regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 1:3-4)