During the Christmas season, it's easy to think the story of Christ begins at His birth. The truth is that Jesus is eternal, and His role in humanity and creation is worth meditating on. Michael W. Smith's song "God With God" provides a perfect roadmap to interact with God's Word this week. Let's consider what Scripture teaches us about Christ's role leading up to that holy night. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Exploring a theme Meditate on Scripture Consider an outside resource Jesus is "God With God" as in our lyrics - John 1:1-2 Jesus existed before the foundation of the world - Ephesians 1:304 Jesus is a member of the Trinity Defining the Trinity - Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology - Amazon Paid Link Jesus is pure and perfect - Hebrews 5:9 Jesus is satisfied and with no need - Acts 17:24-25 Jesus is not dependent upon anything for existence but has eternally existed without any external or prior cause (Aseity) - "Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms" - Amazon Paid Link Jesus is an uncreated deity - Colossians 1:15-17 God with God now God with us - Matthew 1:18-23 The night of Jesus' birth was planned - Galatians 4:4-5 Jesus is a gift of grace and love - John 1:14, Titus 2:11   The reason I am so moved by this song is that it encourages us to take a step back from the Christmas account and realize Jesus’ story doesn’t start in the manger. More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link "Systematic Theology" by Wayne Grudem - Amazon Paid Link "Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms" - Amazon Paid Link This Week's Challenge Add this song to your playlist and consider each phrase to meditate on the fullness of Christ as God and on the wild and wondrous truth that He came as a baby to be God with us. Read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 again to allow this first coming of Christ to prepare your heart to await His second coming. Use the verses listed in the show notes to consider the attributes of Christ that remind us why His first coming is something to be celebrated now and throughout the year.