"The Incarnation is the medicine of the soul, undoing the Fall and bringing man to the Tree of Life, and the office of a priest is to administer this medicine in the sacraments. " - Arthur Middleton
INCARNATION means a person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or abstract quality; it is also one of a series of forms which a person reflects on earth. In Christian theology, The Incarnation is the embodiment of God the Son in human flesh as Jesus Christ. Though December was probably not Jesus' birthday (scholars believe it was actually Spring), the Incarnation is what many celebrate today. As we gleefully open gifts and share experiences with family and friends, let's not forget that God's PRESENCE is His PRESENT to us. When the angels approached Joseph and Mary, their salutations were the fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Immanuel means God with us. Jesus Christ was not just an historical figure whose life we can read about. He was not just another baby being born into humble circumstances. He was and is the King of all other kings and Lord of all other lords. He is the glorious Ruler of the universe. Paul said, "For in him dwells the fullness of the Godhead (the Father, Son & Holy Spirit) in bodily form. (Col. 2:9)
As in the quote above...Jesus, whose name means Savior, the Christ -
the One who is anointed or empowered, came to rescue us from the eternal penalty and consequences of sin and the Fall. He came to restore us to a right relationship with God the Father and to offer us the free gift of an eternal quality of life as we identify with Him. Joseph was encouraged to maintain the engagement to his mysteriously pregnant future wife because,
"the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, (Yahweh is salvation) because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20b-21) This same Jewish baby boy who was born in a manger would one day be crucified, die, be buried, and resurrect from the dead. He will one day soon return as Lord and King of His Heavenly Kingdom.
Many people experience sadness and loneliness during this season. They wonder if they are really loved. Somehow the Christmas songs, trees, gifts, and even the presence of other people leaves us wanting. It's supposed to. We have a God-sized hole inside that only Jesus Christ can fill.
So, I want to reassure you today of God's love for you. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, no matter your ethnicity, culture or background...it doesn't even matter what you've done...the Bible says that the Incarnation both proves and demonstrates God's love for us. "9God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10This is real love-not that we
loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."(1 John 4:9) This is a gift you won't want to return. The gift of God's presence is one that will not break, rust, fade, tear or wear out. It's a gift that all the money in the world can't buy. It's a gift that we can never work for nor repay. As you celebrate today, I pray you will
take a moment to thank the LORD for His indescribable gift. Merry Christmas!
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