Christmas Eve 2024

The Trinity at Christmas

Luke 1:35 “And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

A young child once asked their parent, 'Why do we have three kings in our nativity scene?' The parent paused and explained that the three kings represent giving, gratitude, and grace. This sparked a conversation about the Trinity, which is like three kings, each with a purpose, but together they tell an important story of love and salvation—perfect for the Christmas season. Such is the nature of the Trinity, uniting in celebration of Christ's birth.

Matthew 1:18 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” ,Matthew 1:20 “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit (three times mentioned in OT Ps 51:11; Isa 63:10, 11)

The Highest (see Lk 1:32 Jesus is called Son of the Highest)

The Son of God - Jesus’ Title (Ps 2:7; Mt 3:17; 14:33; 17:5; Mk 1:1; Jn 1:34; 20:31; Acts 8:37)

1. This verse encapsulates the mystery of the Trinity, highlighting the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the incarnation.

2.Jesus' birth was not just an historical event, but a divine act involving the entire Godhead.

3. It illustrates how the roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, though distinct, work together in unity for the salvation of humanity, and we are invited to participate in this divine relationship.

4. The birth of Christ is a divine orchestration of love and grace from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inviting us into a relationship with each person of the Triune God.

During a family Christmas gathering, three children decided to put on a skit to depict the nativity story. Each cousin played a part—one as Mary, another as Joseph, and the third as the angel. The laughter and joy exploded as they improvised and supported each other in their roles. Just like those children

At a recent Christmas gathering, our family decided to exchange Secret Santa gifts. Each gift revealed a part of the giver’s character—humor, thoughtfulness, and creativity—reflecting their essence. In a similar way, the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—gives us gifts that reflect God’s character. Just as we delight in uncovering the personality hidden in each gift, at Christmas, we explore the nature of God through the wondrous story of Christ's birth.

came together to share the Christmas story, the Trinity collaborates beautifully, each person playing their integral role in our faith.

1. Spirit's Sovereign Initiation

Luke 1:35a “And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you”

Come upon - ἐπέρχομαι eperchomai to move on, to arrive,

Genesis 1:2 “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

What was role of Holy Spirit in conception? In creation?

Hovered over water like mother hen

energizing and empowering the work of God, even today.

2. Father's Divine Overshadow

Luke 1:35b “and the power of the Highest will overshadow you”

Overshadow - ἐπισκιάζω episkiazo covered, kept secret the work of God. The Divine is getting involved with man.

Mark 9:7 “And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!””

Sometimes in our lives God orchestrates His purposes in hidden ways, even in unlikely circumstances, just as in the Christmas story.

3. Son's Glorious Revelation

Luke 1:35c “therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

“It’s a boy” the doctor announces, but in this case. “It’s a Savior”.

The Holy One, The Son of God.

God incarnate. Hypostatic union God/Man.

Revelation of the plan of redemption.

The fulfilment of prophecies.

The hope of the world and our assurance.

Salvation - though Jesus - is available today.