Christmas always feels like a train approaching fast and flies by before we know it.

So before the time flies and you're wondering where Christmas went, slow down and read the incarnation story as told in Isaiah 49.

Here's the pre-incarnate Jesus, prophesied by Isaiah:

‘“Listen to me, you islands.

Pay attention, you people far away.

Before I was born, the LORD chose me.

While I was in my mother's womb, he recorded my name.

He made my tongue like a sharp sword

and hid me in the palm of his hand.

He made me like a sharpened arrow

and hid me in his quiver.’

Isaiah reveals God’s purpose for Jesus' ministry to Israel:

‘He said to me,

“You are my servant Israel.

I will display my glory through you.”

But I said,

“I have worked hard for nothing.

I have used my strength, but I didn't accomplish anything.

Yet, certainly my case is in the LORD’s hands,

and my reward is with my God.”

The LORD formed me in the womb to be his servant

in order to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to him.

(The LORD honors me,

and my God has become my strength.)’

Then it gets good. Really good.

Isaiah continues the Christmas story (this is where it gets better and holds promise for all people!)

Now, the Lord says,

‘“You are not just my servant who restores the tribes of Jacob and brings back those in Israel whom I have preserved.

I have also made you a light for the nations
so that you would save people all over the world.”’

Isaiah 49:5-6 (GOD'S WORD Translation)

God tells Jesus, "You are not just my servant. You are more. You are a light and the salvation for everybody."

Our Jesus, our Savior, is always more than who we think he is.