If you’re like me, etched in your memory is the scene of Linus reminding Charlie Brown of the true meaning of Christmas, by reciting Luke 2:8-14 describing the birth of Christ.
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s incarnation: the appearing on earth of God’s eternal Son.
But the issue is not THAT Jesus came, the question is WHY he came.
The Apostle John states emphatically, “The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 Jn. 3:8)
Like a liberating force, Christ arrived at Christmas to begin his redemptive mission, which entailed a sinless life and sacrificial death, and culminated in his resurrection and ascension to heaven.
The late theologian RC Sproul believed the book of Hebrews provides “the most magnificent portrait of Christ anywhere in Scripture.” The passage below describes why Christ’s incarnation enables “death to be swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54) for those who place their faith in Him.
“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” (Heb. 2:14-15)
The Son of God was not by nature “flesh and blood,” yet, willingly, took upon himself humanity for the sake of providing redemption to mankind (Phil. 2:5-8). Christ’s humanity enabled him to represent mankind. His divinity ensured the sufficiency of his sacrifice.
The contemporary hymn In Christ Alone contains the phrase,
No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me.
We are enabled to confidently proclaim those lyrics, which echo the passage above, because of the rich theological truths that forego them.
In Christ alone! – who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
Amidst the busyness and unsettledness of this season, please take time to contemplate Christ’s incarnation, which preceded his death and resurrection, and provides our salvation.
And, as you are able, we covet your prayers and year-end contributions this holiday season, as we enter our 9th year of ministry, in equipping the global church for greater biblical fidelity and ministry effectiveness.
