The Miracle of the Incarnation

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2: 16-17

Many miracles surround Christmas—the angels, the star, the dreams, the prophecies, and most of all, the virgin birth. But those miracles are just signs pointing to the greatest miracle of all: That we who live in this world have been visited by one from “beyond our world.”  We are a dying race living on a dying planet. All that we see around us will someday vanish without a trace. Despite our best efforts, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.  If we are to be saved, salvation must come from somewhere else. It must come from outside of us. So, God sent His son – the greatest gift of all.  Theologians use a particular word to talk about this. The birth of Christ is the “Incarnation.”  The incarnation of Christ denotes the dispensing or addition of God into humanity; the union of God with humanity.

The Miracle of the Incarnation 
Incarnation means that God came to earth and shared our humanity.

·      The infinite became finite.

·      The immortal became mortal.

·      The Creator became the created.

·      The Almighty became a helpless baby.

·      The Deity was wrapped in rags.

·      The King of the Universe was born in a stable.

It is impossible to miss the supernatural element in the birth of Jesus.  Just the fact that Holy God, King of the universe, came to earth as a human baby is supernatural by itself.  Angels visited the primary players and filled the sky over the fields, announcing and singing of the Messiah’s arrival.  Angels, God’s supernatural messengers, pop up all over the Christmas story.  An angel tells Mary she will give birth to Jesus.  An angel tells Joseph to call his name Jesus.  An angel warns Mary and Joseph to flee to Egypt.  An angel tells them when it’s safe to return to Israel. 

Could the sound of the angel voices be heard in other places, or did the angels reveal themselves only to the shepherds?  Could they be heard in Bethlehem?  Could they be seen in Jerusalem?  We don’t know the answer to these questions but we know that some people do not see because they cannot see.  The miracle of Christmas will only be seen – or heard - by those who choose to see and hear.  A miracle can take place right before your eyes and if you don’t want to see it, you won’t.  One of the saddest things is to struggle, or hustle, through life, missing the miracles along the way.  Christmas is a prime time for us to miss the miracle.  We can be so wrapped up in the seasonal activities that we completely miss the whole season, miracle and all. 

The shepherds did not miss the miracle.  At that one moment in time they were enraptured, captivated and saturated with the resplendent magnificence of God.  We may not get a choir of angels in the sky, but this Christmas, I pray that you don’t miss the resplendent magnificence of God.  Allow yourself to become permeated with His awe.  Love, Peace, and Joy are all a part of Christmas, but so is the awesomeness of God.  Marvel over the gift God has given you, and think of the greatest miracle of all – that a tiny baby was sent to save the world.