THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS

THE INCARNATION

INTRODUCTION:

The Incarnation is the most stupendous event which ever can take place on earth, and after it henceforth, I do not see how we can scruple at any miracle on the mere ground of it being unlikely to happen.

John Henry Newman

The cross is the centre of the world’s history. The incarnation of Christ and the crucifixion of our Lord are the pivot round which all the events of the ages revolve.

Alexander Maclaren

John evidently wanted to say “the Word became flesh.” The concept of incarnation, as distinct from indwelling or inspiration, has come to explicit expression. Jesus is being presented as the incarnation of the divine Word.

James D. G. Dunn

John 1:1–5 NASB95

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:14–18 NASB95

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ ” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

IN THE MIRACLE OF THE INCARNATION:

1. THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH:

— TO DWELL AMONG US

— TO PARTICIPATE WITH US

— TO DELIVER US FROM SIN

— TO DEFEAT SATAN

— TO CONQUER DEATH

2. THE WAY WAS MADE VISIBLE:

— TO PROVIDE THE WAY TO GOD

— TO LIGHT THE PATHWAY

— TO REVEAL THE FATHER’S NATURE

— TO BE A FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST FOR US

In Hebrews 2:14-18 we see the PURPOSES of the Incarnation.

PARTICIPATION

IDENTIFICATION

In Matthew 1:18-25 we see the MANNER in which the Incarnation occurred.

JESUS: “He will save!”

IMMANUEL: “God with us!”