If there is one theological word that describes the uniqueness of the Christian faith, perhaps it is incarnation, which means “being or becoming infleshed.” It is a word that applies to the theological concept of God being “in Christ” or of Christ coming in the flesh (not just in the spirit). It is the idea that God enters our own sufferings and experiences: our joys, sorrows, needs, limitations. Likewise, the Holy Spirit now lives in people, and as such those who believe in Jesus can be said to be Christian or little Christs. As Jesus said, we become His hands, feet and voice in the world today and do the works He would have us to do.
These are deep concepts but one the Gospel of John floats freely. Christ came into the world, the gospel writer says. Christ was not an apparition, spirit or heavenly being who could not relate to our human frailties. Rather, “He was in the world,” the world God loves.
During this season, it is a remarkable thing to consider how God has not abandoned us. If we are feeling alone or broken in ministry, we can take heart in the thought that Christ is in the world, in our difficulties. Or if we know broken people, struggling teenagers, we can remind them Christ is in the world, and He has not abandoned them. They are not alone!
What a Savior we have—One who knows our own weaknesses and understands us completely! This is truly the Christmas joy. It is the hope in which we live.
