O come let us adore Him

Hey everyone! I've been spending some quiet time reflecting this December, especially with Christmas just around the corner, and a particular verse has really been speaking to my heart: John 14:8-9 KJV. It's such a profound statement from Jesus, and honestly, it’s been a cornerstone for my understanding of God, especially during this season of celebrating His arrival. For those of you familiar with the passage, Philip asks Jesus, 'Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.' And Jesus’s response is just… mind-blowing. He says, 'Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?' This verse, to me, is the very essence of what Christmas is all about. We often sing 'O come let us adore Him,' and this scripture beautifully explains why we adore Him. Jesus isn't just a teacher, a prophet, or a good man. He is the visible image of the invisible God. When Philip asked to see the Father, Jesus was essentially saying, 'You’re looking at Him!' What an incredible revelation! During Advent, we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus, remembering that God chose to step into our world, to take on human flesh, so that we could truly see and know Him. Before Jesus, God was often perceived as distant, powerful, and mysterious. While He is all of those things, Jesus brought Him intimately close. He walked among us, healed the sick, taught with authority, and showed us unconditional love. Every miracle, every parable, every moment of compassion was a glimpse into the heart of the Father. It’s like looking at a beautifully painted portrait. You see the colors, the brushstrokes, the subject, and through it, you get a sense of the artist's vision and heart. Jesus is that perfect portrait of God. He is the exact representation of His being. So, when I think about what it means to be a Christian, it means recognizing that to know Jesus is to know God. There's no separate, hidden God to be found beyond what Jesus has already revealed. This truth brings me so much comfort and joy, especially during a busy holiday season in Virginia. It simplifies my faith in the most beautiful way. I don't have to strain to imagine what God is like; I just need to look at Jesus. His character, His love, His mercy, His justice – it all points directly back to the Father. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating, not just at Christmas, but every single day. It also challenges me. If I've seen Jesus, have I truly known Him? Am I reflecting His character in my own life? Am I showing others the Father through my actions and words, just as Jesus did? It's a constant journey, but a deeply fulfilling one. So, as we light our candles and sing our carols, let’s remember this profound truth from John 14:8-9. Let's adore Him, not just because it's tradition, but because through Jesus, we have been given the ultimate gift: a clear vision of our loving God. PRAISE GOD WORLD! May your Christmas be filled with His incredible presence and revelation.