Often times, I find myself associating the word “mighty” with superheroes. Why? Because might suggests strength and power — being larger than life and heroic. 

Think about it. Today’s superheroes are all of those things, right? From Iron Man and Thor, to Barbie and Buzz Lightyear, to LeBron James and Taylor Swift. Our culture is captivated by the people that inspire, protect, save and win. In short, they are big and they are the best. And especially this time of year, when presents are top of mind, they are everywhere — as evidenced by a quick walk through any of the big retail stores. 

Ebenezer Scrooge himself encountered a larger-than-life, superhero-type figure in the Ghost of Christmas Present, a jovial giant presiding over a great feast. Like a superhero, the Ghost revealed amazing things to Scrooge.

But superheroes, and the Ghost of Christmas Present, pale in comparison to another....

As it turns out, the mightiest of superheroes has always been with us and has never changed: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV). 

Jesus is the Mighty God — and the only “superhero” we need! And thankfully, as we see throughout the Bible, there is no one more worthy of the name “Mighty God” than He is. 

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)

Could there be any better news?! (Said in a Chandler Bing voice…) No, I don’t think so. Because our Mighty God can not only do the things that today’s superheroes can do, but He can do them infinitely better! In fact, He’s in control of everything! 

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds…” (Jeremiah 32:17-19, NIV)

I’m as guilty as any in that I (really) love a good Avengers movie. That said, I also know I need Jesus, not Captain Marvel, when I need help:

… processing our 3-year-old nephew’s leukemia diagnosis. 

… supporting family and close friends as they struggle after losing parents and children too soon. 

… balancing my role as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and employee. 

… sharing the message of God’s love and eternal promises with some of the people I love most. 

… trying not to freak out after watching the news (because, you know, climate change, natural disasters, crazy politicians, crime rates, disease.)

Simply put, Jesus > a superhero. He is a Mighty God who controls everything from death and sin, to disease and the natural world. What’s more, He can: 

1. Save us. “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life...” ( John 5:24, NIV) 
2. Protect and advocate for us. “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (John 2:1, NIV)
3. Inspire us. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV) 

For me, these passages serve as a reminder that it is Jesus, the God of today — the God of Christmas Present — who deserves our attention as the Mighty God He is. The shiny superhero figurines or extravagant dream houses beckoning from all the stores’ shelves can’t hold a candle to that.

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