How do you sum up the Christmas message?
Paul is probably quoting an early Christian hymn and every line is full of truth!
“He appeared in the flesh”: Again and again, the Bible insists that in Jesus, God became human.
“Vindicated by the Spirit”: Condemned as a criminal to death on the cross, Jesus was raised from the dead aby the power of the Holy Spirit, declaring God’s victory over sin and death and hell.
“Seen by angels…preached among the nations”: the victory of Jesus is seen and proclaimed in both heaven and earth.
“Believed on in the world…taken up in glory”: the gospel is believed in the Word, and Jesus ascended to reign at the Father’s right hand.
Now more than ever, the world needs to hear – and we need to take to heart – the truth that God in Christ has overcome all that opposes human life. Whatever we face today, Jesus is greater.