Every year during the month of December we celebrate the “incarnation” of out Lord. The literal meaning of the word “incarnation” is “into flesh”, that is, into humanity. Long before Christmas was observed the Church celebrated the “Annunciation” on March 15 because with the announcement by the ange to Mary and her humble acceptance and faith “the Word became flesh”. From the moment of conception within the womb of the virgin Mary God and Man were forever joined together in the person of Jesus the Christ. This is the miracle we celebrate on Christmas.
But what does this mean? The Athanasian Creed helps us to understand the Incarnation as much as we are able to. “He (Jesus) is God, begotten from the substance of the Father before all ages; and He is man, born from the substance of His mother in this age; perfect God and perfect man, composed of a rational soul and human flesh; equal to the Father with respect to His divinity, less than the Father with respect to His humanity. Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one Christ: one, however, not by the conversion of the divinity into flesh, but by the assumption of the humanity into God; one altogether, not by confusion of the substance, but by unity of person.”
Now, what does it mean that He is one, not by the conversion of the divinity into flesh, but by the assumption of the humanity into God? What is the difference? This is a very important distinction because it maintains the two natures (human and divine) yet one person. You see, if the divine is converted into flesh the divine does not remain. We more properly understand the incarnation as the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son, assuming humanity into His person and so joins the human nature with the divine nature, one Christ. This is the mysterious miracle that we celebrate on December 25 because as the God Man, Jesus Christ begins His work of redemption, restoring fallen humanity to God. He is true Man so He can be judged by the Law and suffer and die as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is true God so He can overcome sin, death and the devil. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
In Christ,
Pastor Brege
Reverend William Brege's Sermon Archive:
Check back often as we add new sermons to this page regularly! Please note that Windows Media Player is required in order to listen to the sermons.
Last updated July 26, 2010
© Bethlehem Lutheran Church 2010
This website is hosted by the good people
at....