Saturday, December 23, 2006

The Incarnation: The Best Reason To Celebrate Christmas

Text: John 1:14, 16-18

I. Through the Incarnation, God came near

14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

II. Because of the Incarnation, we can experience the fullness of Grace

16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

III. Because of the Incarnation, we can know God

18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

Surely, the Incarnation of the Son of God gives us our best reason to celebrate Christmas. Having received so much in Christ Jesus, how can we not praise Him?
Hark, the herald-angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb!
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men dwell, Jesus our Immanuel.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Have a blessed Christmas!

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