As we make our way through the Christmas Season our busyness increases with schedules to
plan, decorations to put up, gifts to buy, etc.,etc, etc. We look around our area at the outdoor
displays of Santa Clause, reindeer, elves, snowmen, decorated trees, and an occasional manger
scene. We plan for family gatherings, and the joy of our children. For Christians the special
emphasis begins with the four weeks of Sunday Advent services, and of course the special
service on Christmas Eve. All of this is fine, if we can keep it from getting too filled and hectic,
keeping our focus on what is central.
But above it all there is one central truth that I want you not to forget. Above all, we are
celebrating the amazing fact of the Incarnation – Almighty God taking on human flesh and
becoming man. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the
only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John1:1&14 Read the whole chapter and it’s
references.
This is the truth that separates the Christian faith from all other world religions. This is the truth
that has caused and still causes much Christian persecution throughout the world. This the the
truth upon which our salvation rests. It is also the truth that elevates the importance of our human
body. God graciously and miraculously chose to take on a human body and become one of us. In
so doing, living the perfect human life, He alone could make the perfect human sacrifice in
atonement for all of our sins.
This is the truth that was promised to Adam and Eve after they chose to rebel from God’s
command. It was the truth that was continuously promised through the Old Testament prophets.
It was the truth that was announced to some lowly shepherds on a Judean hillside, and a truth that
occupied a feed trough in a Bethlehem stable. God became man and dwelt among us!
After living among us for 33 years He made atonement for the sins of all mankind, giving
salvation to all who come to Him. He was raised again to life in the body which He will have for
all eternity, ascended to heaven assuring us of our eternal life in God’s Kingdom. The Incarnation
is truly the most astounding Christmas gift of God’s grace that we could possibly receive.
Enjoy all the good events of our Christmas celebration, but sing loudly, with the deepest
conviction, even if you can’t carry a tune, Joy To The World The Lord Is Come! Let earth receive
her King