“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Hands down, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the lights, the carols, and the especially the Christmas cookies. I’ll stare at a nativity, wondering how and why this is the way God would deliver His Son. Christmas Eve worship with my church family is like a family reunion. And, there is nothing like sitting in my living room in front of our decorated tree, stockings hanging from the mantle, and the warm glow from the fireplace.
While none of these are the reason we celebrate Christmas, they help me experience it more fully. In the midst of the frenetic pace of my daily life, these traditions help me to pause and point me back to the birth of my Savior, Christ the Lord.
John’s simple testimony of the birth of Christ stands in stark contrast to the rich descriptions of gentle Mary’s weary travels, a stable birth, visits from afar, and angelic heavenly hosts found in the other Gospels. Yet, these four words, “the Word became flesh,” give insight to how salvation was to come. The promise was fulfilled through a Savior that we could experience.
There are hundreds of verses of messianic prophecy in the Old Testament. Prophets, priests, and kings foreshadow of how God would fulfill the law on our behalf and redeem us from our sinful state. Immediately after mankind fell into sin, God promised the Messiah in Genesis chapter 3. The promised was delivered through a personal Savior in every way true God. Yet in every way also flesh and blood among us. He is a Savior that could be seen, touched, and heard. One that would laugh, cry, and share with us in every emotion. A Savior that we could personally experience.
The aim of Concordia Lutheran High School is to pursue Christ-centered educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ. Equipping resilient disciples requires more than mere knowledge about Jesus. We desire our students to experience Jesus as they nurture their faith within this community.
I pray that you and your family might experience the reality of the promised Savior in Jesus. His birth is the fulfillment of the promise. His flesh is for you. May you, like the shepherds of the nativity, draw close to see and know that Jesus is the Christ. Experience Jesus this Christmas!
From the entire Concordia family to yours, Merry Christmas!
Jacob Pennekamp,
Head of School