He is the Radiance of the Glory of God • Hebrews 1:1-6 • Christmas Day, December 25, 2025

The Greatest Gift: Hearing God's Voice Through His Son

Christmas cards pile up on the mantle. Wrapped gifts gather under the tree. We count them, compare them, wonder which one will be our favorite. But have you ever stopped to consider the most extraordinary message you've ever received? The most valuable gift ever given?

The writer to the Hebrews opens with words that should take our breath away: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets. But in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son."

Many Messages, One Voice

Think about the diversity of communication you receive during the holidays. Different handwriting on cards. Various wrapping styles. Multiple gift-givers. Each one unique, yet perhaps sharing a common theme of love and connection.

The Old Testament contains thirty-nine books—thirty-nine different human authors, writing across centuries, in various literary styles and historical contexts. Many times. Many ways. Yet threading through every page is one unified message: the promise of a coming Savior.

Every prophet, every psalm, every story points toward the same hope—God's plan to rescue His people.

But something changed. Something unprecedented happened. In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son.

Not through a messenger. Not through a representative. But through Himself.

The Identity of the Messenger

When you receive a message, the identity of the sender matters. An email from a stranger carries different weight than a letter from the President. But what if the Creator of the universe Himself wanted to communicate with you?

The Gospel of John declares: "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." Every star, every atom, every breath you take exists because of Him. He is not merely a teacher or a prophet—He is the heir of all things, the one through whom the world itself was created.

Hebrews describes Jesus as "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature." This is unlike any human inheritance. Children carry traits from both parents—a father's nose, a mother's eyes, a mixture of characteristics. But Jesus is different. He is the exact imprint. Not a reflection. Not a similarity. He IS God.

This is the one speaking to you. This is the one who entered the world as a baby in Bethlehem.

The Power That Sustains Everything

Consider this staggering truth: Jesus "upholds the universe by the word of his power." Right now, as you read these words, the atoms in your body hold together because He sustains them. The earth continues its orbit because He maintains it. The laws of physics operate because He upholds them.

What would happen if Christ withdrew His sustaining power? Nothing would remain. The universe would collapse into nothingness.

This is the magnitude of the one who came to earth. The one who holds galaxies in place chose to be held in Mary's arms. The one who speaks worlds into existence chose to cry as an infant. The one who needs nothing chose to need everything.

Why?

The Gift of Purification

After describing Christ's cosmic authority and divine nature, Hebrews makes a stunning turn: "After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

The King of kings came to purify us.

We all carry an infection—not one that can be treated with antibiotics or surgery, but one that reaches into the core of our being. Sin infects us from birth, corrupting us from the inside out. It separates us from God. It destroys relationships. It brings death.

But Jesus came to flush out that infection with the power of His blood. He didn't offer a temporary treatment or a surface-level remedy. He provided absolute purification to our core. Through His death on the cross, through the waters of baptism, through the power of His Word, He cleanses us completely.

This is not a partial cleaning or a cosmetic improvement. This is total transformation. This is purification that reaches into the deepest parts of who we are and makes us clean before a holy God.

The Incomparable Gift

When the holidays end, we often look back and think about our favorite gifts. Which one was most useful? Which one was most thoughtful? Which one touched our heart?

But can any earthly gift compare to what Jesus offers? A gift card provides temporary pleasure. A thoughtful present creates a moment of joy. Even the most generous financial gift has limits.

But Jesus offers forgiveness. Reconciliation with God. Freedom from guilt and shame. Hope beyond the grave. Eternal life in His presence. Peace that transcends understanding.

Purpose that transforms every moment.

And this gift comes from the God of the universe Himself. The one who needs nothing chose to give everything. The one who owns all things chose to become poor so that we might become rich. The one who deserves all glory chose the path of suffering and humiliation.

A Love Letter Written in Blood

God's Word is His love letter to humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, we see the same message repeated in countless ways: "I love you. I will never leave you. I will do whatever it takes to bring you home."

The Old Testament prophets spoke this message through shadows and types, through promises and predictions. But now, in Jesus, we see the fullness of that love displayed. We don't just hear about God's love—we see it embodied in a person. We don't just read promises—we encounter the Promise-Keeper Himself.

"In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son."

This is where our hearts should dwell. Not merely in the warm feelings of the season or the joy of family gatherings, but in the staggering reality that God Himself has spoken. God Himself has come. God Himself has given everything for us.

Celebrating the Birthday

Christmas is Christ's birthday. While we often make it about our receiving, perhaps we should focus more on what He has given. While we count our blessings, perhaps we should marvel more at the Blessing Himself.

We are privileged to hear His voice. We are privileged to receive His gift. We are privileged to be purified by God Himself.

Long ago, God spoke in many ways. But now, He has spoken through His Son. Have you heard Him? Have you received the gift? Have you let the King of kings purify your heart?

There is no greater gift. There is no more important message. There is no love more profound.

Merry Christmas, indeed.

(Content generated by PulpitAI from sermon transcript)