In this sermon, we delve into the profound mystery and beauty of the Incarnation and the Cross, as expressed in Philippians 2:5-11. The passage reveals the humility and obedience of Jesus, who, though in the form of God, did not exploit His equality with God but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. This act of humility was not imposed upon Him by any earthly authority but was a voluntary decision by the Son of God, highlighting the depth of His love and commitment to humanity.

The Cross is not merely a symbol of Jesus embracing full humanity; it is a multifaceted demonstration of God’s justice and love. The death of Jesus on the cross was not just a moral example but a necessary act of justice. It was a divine response to the problem of sin, which is deeply rooted in the human condition. Sin is not just a transgression or a rebellion against God; it is a bondage from which we need deliverance. The Cross addresses this by being both a just payment for sin and a means of delivering us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light.

The analogy of a presidential pardon helps us understand why God did not simply issue a blanket pardon for sin. A pardon might forgive the consequence but does not address the root problem of sin. The Cross, however, is a just act that satisfies the demands of justice while also transforming and delivering us from sin’s power. This is why the Incarnation and the Cross are central to the Christian faith—they reveal the depth of God’s love and the extent of His justice.

The ancient Christmas hymns capture this truth, celebrating not just the birth of Christ but His mission to save us from our sins. As we reflect on the Incarnation, we are reminded that we needed more than just a pardon; we needed deliverance and transformation, which is made possible through the justice of the Cross. This leads us to rejoice in the full narrative of Christ’s coming, from the manger to the Cross, and ultimately to the empty tomb.