Every year Christmas reminds many of us that Jesus was born as a tiny baby in Bethlehem. After thinking of Him in that little manger, it's difficult to picture Him as God. Beyond that, it's difficult to realize that His life didn't really start then. The point of His beginning was a long, long time before. The Bible talks a lot about Jesus’ eternal existence and even His part in creating our world.

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:2,14-17

While on earth, Jesus Himself often spoke of His life in Heaven. Just before He was crucified He talked with His Father about their time together before the world began.

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:5

Another mention of Jesus' eternal existence is made in a prophecy about His birth recorded by Micah.

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

Once, when some religeous leaders questioned His authority, Jesus told His listeners He was the God of the Old Testament. The one who had existed before Abraham, the father of their nation, who lived 1,800 years before Jesus’ time on earth. When He said this, Jesus used the old testament title for God found in Exodus 3:14, "I Am", to refer to Himself.

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

In the New Testament, Paul used Jesus’ unselfish love, shown by His personal choice to leave heaven and come to earth to suffer and die for us in poverty, as an example for us to follow.

The fact that it was Jesus personal choice to come to earth is another evidence of His eternal existence and a powerful evidence of the depths of His love for us. In fact, it is His existance in heaven, before His birth in Bethlehem, that makes His coming to earth so meaningful. He chose to come. He chose that, knowing exactly what it would cost Him, because our salvation was more important to Him than His position in Heaven, or even His own life.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17

All these verses come together on one focal point: Jesus is the eternal Son of God. At creation it was His voice that spoke the world into existence and His hands that formed the clay. At the fall it was His voice that spoke the promise of the Seed, and his hands that made the clothes. At Calvary it was His voice that spoke the words of forgiveness, and His hands that took the nails. Everyone of these events, so pivotal to the human race, are His. From beginning to end He has been there and He promises: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

... I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:6-7