Series Summary
The Incarnation – when God became human in the person of Jesus Christ – is the fullest example of God’s profound love and desire to redeem and restore humanity. Jesus is eternal, one with God the Father, and yet when he took on flesh, he became fully human, even while still being fully divine. In doing so, he bridged the gap that separated us from God. In the Incarnation, Jesus became one of us, entered into our suffering, shared in our experiences, and made a way for our salvation, through his life, death, and resurrection.
At Christmas, celebrating the Incarnation carries deep significance. It reminds us of the hope, peace, and joy that come with God's presence among mankind. This Christmas, we will look at how Jesus is eternal in nature, how he is both fully human and fully God, and what that means for us as Christians. And as we do so, we'll find more and more reasons to celebrate, not only his birth, but also the transformative power of God’s love shown most clearly in the cry of a baby.
It may be a profound mystery, but in Christ, the mystery has been revealed! In Jesus, we see God's plan, why it matters, and how we can live in response. So we invite you to join us this Christmas season, and marvel at the Incarnation and its call to respond in faith, worship, and imitation of Christ.
Sermon Summary
John’s Gospel opens with a profound revelation of Jesus’ identity, beginning with the claim that He existed eternally. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This establishes Jesus as coexistent with God, present before creation, and active in bringing it into being. Jesus is not merely a historical figure; He is the eternal Word who chose to enter creation, bridging the infinite gap between heaven and earth. In becoming flesh, Jesus revealed God’s heart to dwell with His people, experiencing human life to save us from sin and restore us to relationship with Him.
John reveals Jesus to us, not just through his eternal nature, but also through his light, his life, and his offer to become children of God, offering both a new identity and an eternal belonging. This gift isn’t earned by human effort but is a gracious act of God’s love.
Jesus reveals God to us, showing us the fullness of God's character. He reveals God's glory through his works and presence. He embodies grace, offering forgiveness and new life to those who believe. He also reflects truth, teaching us who God is and how we can walk in His ways.
In Jesus, the invisible God is made known, inviting us to experience His love and concern for mankind. And as we reflect on these truths, we are called to respond in faith, worship, and a deeper relationship with the God who came to dwell among us. Immanuel: God with us!
