When “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), the eternal Son of God entered a family tree. And not just any family tree, but one whose roots could be traced back through a line of God’s greatest promises… to send an offspring who would crush Satan’s head, bless all the nations of the earth, and rule over an everlasting kingdom where righteousness reigns. And like a mighty tree that shoots up from a tiny mustard seed, Jesus’ family tree will also have many branches.

It should boggle our minds that the Holy One gladly joined our family photo. And it wasn’t a reluctant brief appearance at our family gathering. It was a permanent identification and solidarity.

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:14–17)

And he wasn’t ashamed to identify with us in this way! It’s one of those truths we wouldn’t believe unless the Bible explicitly told us. “He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.” (Hebrews 2:11)

True God of true God, Light from light eternal
Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb
Son of the Father, begotten not created
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

This advent season, Matthew’s gospel will help us marvel over this wonderful truth for five Sundays.

• Not Ashamed to Call Them Brothers – Matthew 1:1-17 (Nov 30)
• Not Ashamed to Call Them Sisters – Matthew 1:1-17 (Dec 7)
• Not Ashamed to Call Him Father – Matthew 1:18-25 (Dec 14)
• Not Ashamed to Call Her Mother – Matthew 1:18-25 (Dec 21)
• Not Ashamed to Call Us Brothers – Matthew 2:1-12 (Dec 28)

This Sunday, Kenny Clark will be preaching from Matthew 1:1-17 and Caleb Bilti will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for them as they prepare? And let’s pray that we will keep growing in the confidence and assurance that for all who in Christ Jesus, “God is not ashamed to be called our God.” (Hebrews 11:16)

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

O Come All You Unfaithful by Sovereign Grace Music

Come, guilty and hiding ones
There is no need to run
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you