The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth. . . .

— Colossians 1:15-16

Who is Jesus? Many different answers are given to this question. The truth is that Jesus is the eternal Son of God. From all eternity God has existed in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Every human being, except one, did not exist before being conceived and born. By coming into existence, people become sons and daughters, and their parents become fathers and mothers. But there was never an event in which God the Son came into existence. God the Father and God the Son have an eternal relationship of Father and Son that has always existed. (“Firstborn” in Colossians 1 does not mean “born first”; it means “most exalted”—see Psalm 89:27.)

At a point in time, God the Son took on humanity in the womb of Mary, a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38). He was born in Bethlehem and received the name Jesus. Jesus is fully God and fully human. He is one person with two natures—human and divine. Each of us is also one person, but with only one nature—human.

Jesus lived a perfect life. He was without sin—though he was tempted and can sympathize with our struggles (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-15). And he laid down his perfect, sinless life as payment for the sin of all who would repent and trust in him for salvation. What a Savior!

Jesus, you are our God, our Savior, our Brother, and our Lord. By your Spirit, guide us to honor and praise you each day! May we never cease to love you! Amen.