The Incarnation

In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – Gospel of John 1:1 & 2, 12-14

This is the Christmas celebration. God took on the likeness of his creation, lived on the earth in time and space, in human form, as Jesus, experiencing the same limitations and deprivations common to all. Yet he was also the exact representation of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Through his perfect obedience to God the Father, Jesus overcame the power of sin and, finally, death itself. After his resurrection, he sent the Holy Spirit to establish his kingdom of righteousness in the hearts of men and women, to begin training his followers in faith and obedience to the Father’s leading, this after his own example, so that they might become like him, forming a body under his headship.

One event proceeding from the Christmas narrative remains yet to come: Jesus’ return to the earth to establish righteous government over all nations. His, will be a fair administration with true justice - the equal treatment of everyone under his one perfect law. It will not utilize political intrigue nor the favoring, or oppression, of one by another.

As men experience true justice with mercy through the administration of his laws, they will come to an understanding of his true character and thereby learn to know him and love him. Scripture says that someday, the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Then there will be peace on earth.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. – Isaiah 9: 6-7

Merry Christmas to all!