For much of the world, the retelling of the birth of Jesus certainly is the highlight of December. The story is so beautiful, humbling, and exceptionally inspiring. But as big as Christmas becomes each year, what Jesus taught the world about immortality is many times more momentous.
Jesus once gave a large crowd this stirring counsel: “Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9). The Way-shower never took God’s truth lightly and didn’t want any of us to do so, either. “Call no man your father.” Wow! What if, on Christmas morning, Jesus was sitting with you by your Christmas tree and said something like that? It certainly would change the direction of conversation!
Clearly, he is referring to our existence in and of God, our heavenly Father. For Jesus, permanent existence in God defined not only himself but everyone. God, who the Bible reveals is Spirit and Love, includes no matter. To exist as Spirit’s creation, our individual identity must reflect God’s being and nature.
