Hebrews 1:1-12, especially vss. 1, 2: "God, Who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the Prophets, has in these last days, spoken to us by His Son Whom He has appointed Heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds." This is an age in which we are bombarded by people speaking to us - advertisers, politicians, government officials, health and social professionals, family members, neighbors, members of our churches, pastors, employers, and friends. But, please, notice the Apostle's comment: "God has spoken to us" (vs. 2). Among the deluge of messages pouring in now is the last, final word from the Holy and Almighty God Himself, "spoken to us by His Son" (vs. 2).
What better time could there be than the eve of the celebration of the Lord Jesus' Nativity for us to consider Him Who is the ultimate message from God? The Voice speaking is not just one more voice. The Apostle presses us not to reduce the value either of the message or of the Messenger. So now, for a moment, consider what it means to have a message from God, to have His ultimate Message, to have the Divine message addressed to us from God Himself, in Person.
Does God speak to the human race? That is what the Apostle Paul tells us. In the past, God spoke to the Fathers and the Prophets "at various times and in various ways" (vs. 1). There is not time to review all the occasions, messages, messengers, and means that God used. There were many, very many. However, the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament do review the principal occasions and methods God used to speak prior to the birth of the Lord Jesus. To study the Old Testament is to focus on the ways God spoke in the past, and is an illuminating introduction to the basics of Divine-human relations. One finds audible and visual experiences, visions, angelic appearances, interventions in the 'normal' sequence of events, prophecies and fulfillments, direct answers to prayer, confrontation with death and life, Divine strengthening in moments of human frailty, God's mercy and justice, and much, much more.
However, let us understand the Apostle exactly. God has spoken to "us" (vs. 2). In the Old Testament He spoke to someone else. Now He has spoken to "us." You ask, 'Who is the "us" about whom St. Paul speaks?' Christians, and by God's mercy that includes all who read this meditation. We should count ourselves as the primary recipients. As Christians, this message, through the Lord Jesus, is specifically for each of us. Perhaps you have thought of the Lord Jesus Christ as a man Who once lived on earth, and, perhaps, rightly, you also accept Him as God. Let us, therefore, speak to Him in prayer: "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!" But have you also considered Him as a message from God to you? Reframe the Apostle's words: "God has spoken to me by His Son." The issue is, "Am I listening?"
Next, notice the ultimacy which the Apostle places on this message. These are the "last days" (vs. 2). Plainly he means that there will not be a subsequent message. All that God wishes to communicate to us has now been communicated to us "by His Son, Whom He has appointed Heir of all things" (vs. 2). Receive the Word today, listen carefully, and put the Word into action. Why? The Messenger stands squarely before us for our consideration.
The Lord Jesus is our Creator (vs. 2). He owns us and the entire universe being "Heir" (vs. 2). He is God, "the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person" (vs. 3). Were He to stop "upholding" us, we would not exist (vs. 3). All the heavenly powers worship Him (vss. 4-12). How about it? Are you listening and worshiping? Let us use this celebration of His birth to face Him, our Lord, Who loves righteousness and hates lawlessness (vs. 9).
What shall we render to Thee, O Christ, for that Thou didst appear as a man for our sake?