Christmas: The Incarnation and Our Redemption
Summary
In this Christmas gathering, we reflect on the profound truths of the incarnation as presented in Galatians 4:4-7. This passage, though not a typical Christmas text, encapsulates the essence of the Christmas story. It tells us about the "when" of Christmas, which is the fullness of time, a moment perfectly orchestrated by God after centuries of waiting. This waiting reminds us of the anticipation and longing for the Messiah, a promise that God fulfilled in His perfect timing.
The "who" of Christmas involves God, His Son, and Mary. God is the central character, orchestrating the divine plan. The Son, Jesus, is sent by the Father, and Mary, a humble and ordinary woman, plays a pivotal role in this divine drama. Her role highlights the humanity of Jesus, born of a woman, emphasizing His true humanity.
The "what" of Christmas is the incarnation, the miraculous event where God became man. This is not about the commercialized aspects of Christmas but the profound mystery of God taking on human flesh. The incarnation is a result of the eternal covenant within the Godhead, where the Son willingly took on the mission to save humanity.
The "how" of Christmas is through the virgin birth, a miraculous event that underscores the divine nature of Jesus. Mary, though often misunderstood, is an exemplar of faith and humility, recognizing her need for a Savior. The ordinariness of Jesus' birth, in a stable surrounded by shepherds, highlights the surprising ways God works.
The "where" of Christmas is theological, as Jesus was born under the law, identifying with us in our fallen state. He fulfilled the law perfectly, something we could never do, and bore the curse of the law on our behalf. This act of redemption allows us to have a new address, moving from being under the curse to being heirs of heaven.
Finally, the "why" of Christmas is redemption and reconciliation. Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the law and to reconcile us to God, granting us perpetual peace. This transcends the temporary notions of Christmas as merely a time for family and goodwill. It is about moving from being slaves to sin to becoming sons and heirs of God, able to call Him "Abba, Father."
Key Takeaways:
- The waiting for Christmas mirrors the centuries of anticipation for the Messiah, teaching us that God's timing is perfect and His promises are sure, even if they don't align with our plans. This waiting cultivates trust and perseverance in God's wisdom and goodness. [10:10]
- The incarnation is the miracle of God becoming man, a profound mystery that surpasses all other miraculous births. It is the ultimate expression of God's love and humility, as He descended from the heights of divinity to the depths of humanity to lift us up. [19:26]
- Jesus' birth under the law signifies His full identification with our human condition, yet without sin. He fulfilled the law perfectly, bearing its curse on our behalf, so we could be freed from its penalty and become heirs of heaven. [30:26]
- The ordinariness of Jesus' birth, in a humble setting, is a testament to the divine nature of the gospel, which often works in unexpected and surprising ways. This challenges us to see God's hand in the ordinary and to trust His unconventional methods. [24:47]
- The true meaning of Christmas is redemption and reconciliation, moving us from slaves to sons, from wrath to peace. This perpetual peace with God transcends the temporary and cultural notions of Christmas, offering us a profound and eternal relationship with our Creator. [39:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction and Humor
- [02:05] - Scripture Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
- [03:30] - Opening Prayer
- [04:38] - The Essence of Christmas
- [05:00] - The "When" of Christmas
- [07:02] - The Fulfillment of Time
- [08:07] - The Promise of the Seed
- [09:47] - God's Faithfulness and Our Waiting
- [11:54] - Simeon's Encounter
- [12:14] - The "Who" of Christmas
- [15:44] - The "What" of Christmas: Incarnation
- [21:02] - The "How" of Christmas: Virgin Birth
- [25:08] - The "Where" of Christmas: Under the Law
- [32:13] - The "Why" of Christmas: Redemption and Reconciliation
- [39:05] - From Slaves to Sons
- [43:16] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 4:4-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "the fullness of time" in Galatians 4:4 signify in the context of the Christmas story? How does this relate to the anticipation of the Messiah? [07:02]
2. Who are the main characters involved in the Christmas story according to Galatians 4:4-7, and what roles do they play? [12:34]
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus being "born under the law"? What does this mean for humanity? [25:08]
4. What is the ultimate purpose of Jesus' coming as described in Galatians 4:5, and how does this relate to the concept of redemption? [38:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "waiting" for the Messiah in the sermon reflect our own experiences of waiting on God's promises today? [10:10]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the ordinariness of Jesus' birth challenges our expectations of how God works? [24:47]
3. How does the sermon explain the transition from being "slaves to sons" in the context of Christmas, and what implications does this have for our identity as believers? [39:05]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between Jesus' fulfillment of the law and our freedom from its curse? How does this impact our understanding of grace? [30:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something significant in your life. How did that experience shape your trust in God's timing? How can you apply this lesson to your current circumstances? [10:10]
2. The sermon highlights the humility and faith of Mary. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of humility and faith in your own life, especially in challenging situations? [22:48]
3. Consider the ways in which God might be working in the ordinary aspects of your life. How can you become more attentive to His presence and guidance in these moments? [24:47]
4. The sermon discusses the concept of moving from "slaves to sons." How does this transformation affect your view of your relationship with God? What steps can you take to embrace your identity as a child of God more fully? [39:05]
5. Jesus' birth under the law signifies His full identification with our human condition. How does this understanding influence your approach to living a life that honors God? [30:26]
6. The sermon emphasizes the eternal peace that comes from reconciliation with God. How can you pursue and maintain this peace in your daily life, especially during the busy holiday season? [38:16]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel under the "curse" of the law. How can you invite Jesus into that area to experience His redemption and freedom? [30:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, fulfilling centuries of anticipation for the Messiah. This waiting period teaches us that God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our own plans. The anticipation and longing for the Messiah remind us to cultivate trust and perseverance in God's wisdom and goodness. As we reflect on the "when" of Christmas, we are encouraged to trust that God's promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. [10:10]
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing? How can you actively choose to trust Him today?
Day 2: The Miracle of the Incarnation
The incarnation is the miraculous event where God became man, surpassing all other miraculous births. It is the ultimate expression of God's love and humility, as He descended from the heights of divinity to the depths of humanity to lift us up. This profound mystery challenges us to reflect on the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to in order to save us. As we consider the "what" of Christmas, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice and love demonstrated through the incarnation. [19:26]
"And 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." (John 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of God becoming man change your understanding of His love for you? What is one way you can respond to this love today?
Day 3: Jesus' Identification with Humanity
Jesus' birth under the law signifies His full identification with our human condition, yet without sin. He fulfilled the law perfectly, bearing its curse on our behalf, so we could be freed from its penalty and become heirs of heaven. This act of redemption allows us to move from being under the curse to being heirs of heaven. As we reflect on the "where" of Christmas, we are reminded of Jesus' complete identification with us and His perfect fulfillment of the law. [30:26]
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to believe that Jesus fully understands your human experience? How can you invite Him into those areas of your life today?
Day 4: Seeing God in the Ordinary
The ordinariness of Jesus' birth, in a humble setting, is a testament to the divine nature of the gospel, which often works in unexpected and surprising ways. This challenges us to see God's hand in the ordinary and to trust His unconventional methods. As we consider the "how" of Christmas, we are encouraged to look for God's presence in the everyday moments of our lives and to trust that He is at work, even when it seems unlikely. [24:47]
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one ordinary area of your life where you struggle to see God's presence? How can you begin to look for His hand in that area today?
Day 5: Redemption and Reconciliation
The true meaning of Christmas is redemption and reconciliation, moving us from slaves to sons, from wrath to peace. This perpetual peace with God transcends the temporary and cultural notions of Christmas, offering us a profound and eternal relationship with our Creator. As we reflect on the "why" of Christmas, we are reminded of the incredible gift of being able to call God "Abba, Father" and the peace that comes from being reconciled to Him. [39:05]
"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of being reconciled to God change your perspective on your relationship with Him? What is one way you can live out this reconciliation in your daily life?
Quotes
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, crying abba father, so you are no longer a slave but a son and if a son then an heir through God." [00:02:39]
"The blessing of Christmas is that God always keeps his promises, but the lesson of Christmas is that it is almost always not according to our plan, but it is always most wise and most good and most pure. The blessing of Christmas is that God gives us the full goodness of his promise, but the lesson of Christmas is to wait, to persevere even to endure, and every moment of that waiting to trust." [00:09:58]
"When the fullness of time, not according to anyone else's plan or timetable or schedule or calendar, but God's and at the precise moment, and according to the divine and eternal pre-temporal decree, that's the win of Christmas. So we have the when we also have the who and we have here three characters and the great drama that is the Christmas story." [00:12:00]
"The what of Christmas is the incarnation. It's not Saint Nicholas, it's the incarnation that God sent his son. Theologians will refer to the pactum salutus, a pact, a covenant, where parties gathered and decided on a course of action. Once that decision was made they were committed to that action and in the internal Godhead, a pact was made that the son would be on a divine mission to come into this world to save those which are his before the foundation of the world." [00:15:33]
"God descends to reassend. He comes down from the heights of absolute being as Aristotle would say pure being. He comes down from the heights of absolute being into time and space down into humanity down to the very roots and see bed of the nature that he created, but he goes down to come up again." [00:18:19]
"The ordinariness of it, the surprising upending way in which God carries out the drama of dramas, the drama of redemption, is done off off-center stage, and yet this is how the Messiah entered the earth, a born of a woman. We have the when the who the what the how we need the where now I'm going to cheat a little bit." [00:24:35]
"To say that Jesus is born under the law is to say that he fully identified with us as under the curse. Oh we quickly add yet without sin, fully identified with us in our human condition, our sinfulness, our theological estate, not a good address under the law, not desirable real estate under a curse, that's where we live and that's where Jesus came." [00:26:06]
"Christ was born under the law because we are all under the law, and because we are under the law we are under a curse, and if that's not bad enough here's the really bad news, there's nothing we can do about it, because none of us can keep the law no not one, so Christ had to come and he had to live a perfect life." [00:29:52]
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Jesus took upon himself the residence the address of being under the curse his address was the very throne of heaven, and all of its purity and righteousness and holiness, flanked by fantastic creatures echoing praise and adoration, and he exchanged that address for the curse." [00:30:32]
"Why Christmas is not being not being grumpy, trying to be loving, I was going to say the why of Christmas is not giving but it is we have lots of needs here at Ligonier ministries, and it's coming into the year end the meaning of Christmas is giving don't forget that Mr Larson told me to say that." [00:37:02]
"Here's what Paul says the why of Christmas, he even puts it in a purpose statement, did you see it in verse 5 to redeem, that's why that's why Jesus came to redeem he came to redeem those who were sharing that address who are under the law and as under the law we are cursed and then here's one more for you as cursed you are the enemies of God." [00:38:24]
"That's the why of Christmas that's the meaning of Christmas, it so far transcends all of these cultural notions of what this season can do for us, when we grasp what is happening at that moment, at that nativity scene, this is the redemption this is the redemption of the lost this is the bringing us home this is the bringing of peace not for a time, perpetual peace." [00:39:56]
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