Before the Manger
“The true meaning of Christmas lies not in celebrating the birth of a mere spiritual leader, but in recognizing the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus, who is fully God, humbled Himself and entered creation to redeem humanity. ”
Sermon Summary
The essence of Christmas is not merely a celebration of the birth of a spiritual leader, but a profound acknowledgment of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in the Gospel of John and the ancient hymn found in Philippians 2:5-11. The Incarnation is a mystery that invites us to see beyond the cultural and commercial aspects of Christmas and to focus on the divine reality that Jesus, co-eternal with God, entered into His creation. This is not just a historical event but a transformative truth that impacts our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done.
The History Channel’s definition of Christmas as the anniversary of the birth of a spiritual leader misses the depth of the Christian celebration. Jesus is not merely a teacher whose teachings form the basis of a religion; He is the Word made flesh, the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact imprint of His nature. The early church recognized this truth, as evidenced by their hymns and worship practices, which celebrated Jesus as God incarnate.
The Incarnation is central to the Christian faith because it reveals the nature of God and His purpose in creation. Jesus, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be exploited but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. This act of humility and obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, is the foundation of our redemption. It is through this self-emptying that Jesus becomes our Redeemer, offering atonement for our sins and reconciling us to God.
As we meditate on the Incarnation, we are reminded of the mystery and majesty of Christmas. It is a story of divine love and mercy, where the Creator steps into creation to bear our sins and offer us new life. This truth challenges us to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ divinity and His sacrificial love. It invites us to experience the joy, peace, and strength that come from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who continues the work of the Incarnation in our lives.