The
core idea of the Christian faith is the incarnation. God took
flesh and dwelt among us.
C.S.
Lewis said, “The central miracle asserted by Christians is the
incarnation. They say that God became man. Every other miracle prepares for
this, or exhibits this, or results from this”
With
remarkable economy of words, the apostle Paul describes this history altering
event. "...in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body” (Colossians
2:9).
Everything that the Bible reveals to us about
the character of God finds perfection expression in the person of his
Son, Jesus...
...set
apart in holiness...
...present
in love...
...righteous
in judgment...
...lavish
in grace...
...perfect
in justice....
...tender
in mercy...
...exacting
in standards...
...generous
in forgiveness...
The
New Testament expands this thought when it says, "The son is the
radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" (Hebrews
1:3). We have developed the English word 'Eikon' from the phrase
found in this verse.
Eikon
expresses two ideas.
First, likeness, as in the
image on a coin or the reflection in a mirror.
Second, manifestation,
with the sense that God is fully revealed in Jesus. Eikon goes so much deeper
than mere likeness or resemblance. Eikon
conveys the meaning that Christ is whatever God is.
The
incarnation not only reveals who God is it also assures us of His presence.
In the person of Jesus, God comes near.
I
love the way this is captured in an old poem...
Speak
to him, Thou, for he hears, and Spirit with Spirit will meet-
Closer
is he than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.
(Tennyson)
These
unalterable truths sound out in our timeless carols...
Lo,
with a manger lies
He
who built the starry skies…
(Worship
him)
Pleased
as man with man to dwell,
Jesus,
our Immanuel.
(Thank
him)
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