Embracing the Incarnation: God With Us This Advent
Summary
In this Advent season, we gather to celebrate the profound mystery of God dwelling among us. Advent is a time of anticipation, a season of waiting for God to act in our lives, just as Zechariah and Mary waited for the birth of Jesus. This period invites us to reflect on the incarnation, the moment when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, as described in John 1:14. This event is not just a historical occurrence but a cosmic reality that frames the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. It signifies God's desire to be intimately involved in the lives of His creation, to be near and present with us.
The incarnation is about God putting on flesh, becoming fully human while remaining fully divine. It is a demonstration of God's commitment to dwell with His people permanently. This is not a temporary arrangement like the tabernacle or the temple, but a definitive act of God being with us and for us. The incarnation is a call to connection, to be present with one another, just as God is present with us. It challenges us to see and interact with those around us, to be relational rather than transactional.
In this busy season, we are encouraged to make time for meaningful connections. Whether it's seeing the people who serve us, listening to the stories of friends and family, or sitting with the story of Jesus' birth, we are called to be present and attentive. This is how we follow Jesus, by being incarnational in our relationships, embodying the love and presence of Christ in our interactions. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the intimate connection we have with God and with each other, a connection that is made possible through the incarnation. This Advent, let us embrace the mystery of God with us, and let it transform how we live and connect with those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Mystery of Incarnation: The incarnation is a profound mystery where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. It signifies God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives, not as a distant deity but as a present and active participant in our daily experiences. This cosmic event frames the entirety of Scripture, highlighting God's commitment to be with us permanently. [27:13]
2. God's Permanent Presence: Unlike the temporary nature of the tabernacle or temple, the incarnation is a definitive act of God dwelling with His people. Jesus' humanity is a permanent reality, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to be with us and for us. This ongoing presence is a promise of the kingdom of heaven coming upon the earth. [39:26]
3. The Call to Connection: The incarnation calls us to be present and connected with one another, just as God is with us. In a world that often prioritizes transactions over relationships, we are challenged to see and interact with those around us, to be relational and attentive to their stories and needs. [45:02]
4. Embodying Christ's Presence: As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His presence in our interactions. This means being incarnational in our relationships, offering our attention and presence as a gift to others. It is through these connections that we reflect the love and presence of Christ. [49:20]
5. Reflecting on the Story of Jesus: This Advent, we are invited to sit with the story of Jesus' birth, to reflect on its significance and what it means for our lives. By engaging with the narrative, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the incarnation and the intimate connection we have with God. [52:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:11] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [23:07] - The Season of Advent
- [24:59] - Introduction to John 1:14
- [27:13] - The Word Became Flesh
- [28:58] - Cosmic Perspective of John's Gospel
- [30:33] - The Incarnation: God Dwelling Among Us
- [32:11] - The Humanity of Jesus
- [36:56] - The Meaning of Dwelling
- [38:17] - The Aorist Tense: A Completed Action
- [39:26] - Permanent Presence of God
- [45:02] - The Need for Connection
- [49:20] - Following Jesus in the Season
- [52:58] - Reflecting on Jesus' Birth
- [56:50] - Communion Invitation and Instructions
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:1-14
Observation Questions:
1. What does John 1:14 mean when it says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us"? How does this relate to the concept of incarnation? [27:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the temporary nature of the tabernacle and the permanent presence of God through the incarnation? [39:26]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea of being relational rather than transactional in our interactions with others? [49:20]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can be incarnational in our relationships during the Advent season? [49:20]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the incarnation challenge our understanding of God's involvement in our daily lives? How does this understanding affect our relationship with God? [30:33]
2. How does the concept of God dwelling among us permanently through Jesus change the way we view our own presence in the lives of others? [39:26]
3. What does it mean to embody Christ's presence in our interactions, and how can this be a reflection of the incarnation? [49:20]
4. How does the sermon encourage us to reflect on the story of Jesus' birth, and what significance does this reflection hold for our lives today? [52:58]
Application Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being present and attentive in our relationships. Can you think of a recent interaction where you were more transactional than relational? How might you approach it differently next time? [49:20]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in your life. How did that experience influence your actions or decisions? How can you seek to be more aware of God's presence daily? [30:33]
3. The sermon suggests making time for meaningful connections during the busy Advent season. What specific steps can you take to prioritize these connections in your schedule? [49:20]
4. Consider the idea of being incarnational in your relationships. What is one practical way you can embody Christ's love and presence in your interactions this week? [49:20]
5. The sermon invites us to sit with the story of Jesus' birth. How can you create a space in your life to reflect on this story and its significance? What might you learn from this reflection? [52:58]
6. How can you intentionally see and interact with people in your daily life, beyond just the services they provide? What impact might this have on your relationships? [49:20]
7. Think about a person in your life who may feel disconnected or alone. How can you reach out to them and offer your presence as a gift this Advent season? [45:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery of God Among Us
The incarnation is a profound mystery where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This event signifies God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives, not as a distant deity but as a present and active participant in our daily experiences. It is a cosmic event that frames the entirety of Scripture, highlighting God's commitment to be with us permanently. The incarnation is not just a historical occurrence but a reality that continues to impact our lives today. It invites us to reflect on the depth of God's love and His willingness to enter into the human experience to be near us. [27:13]
"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 dwelling among us change the way you perceive His presence in your daily life?
Day 2: God's Unwavering Commitment
Unlike the temporary nature of the tabernacle or temple, the incarnation is a definitive act of God dwelling with His people. Jesus' humanity is a permanent reality, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to be with us and for us. This ongoing presence is a promise of the kingdom of heaven coming upon the earth. It assures us that God is not distant or detached but is actively involved in our lives, offering us His love and guidance. The incarnation is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to be in a relationship with us, providing us with hope and assurance of His eternal presence. [39:26]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and embrace God's permanent presence in your life today?
Day 3: The Call to Relational Living
The incarnation calls us to be present and connected with one another, just as God is with us. In a world that often prioritizes transactions over relationships, we are challenged to see and interact with those around us, to be relational and attentive to their stories and needs. This call to connection encourages us to move beyond superficial interactions and to invest in meaningful relationships. By being present and attentive, we reflect the love and presence of Christ in our interactions, fostering a sense of community and belonging. [45:02]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection?
Day 4: Embodying Christ's Presence
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His presence in our interactions. This means being incarnational in our relationships, offering our attention and presence as a gift to others. It is through these connections that we reflect the love and presence of Christ. By being present and attentive, we can offer support, encouragement, and love to those around us, embodying the essence of Christ's love in our daily lives. This call to embody Christ's presence challenges us to be intentional in our interactions, seeking to be a source of light and love in the lives of others. [49:20]
"Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally embody the presence of Christ in your interactions with others today?
Day 5: Reflecting on the Story of Jesus
This Advent, we are invited to sit with the story of Jesus' birth, to reflect on its significance and what it means for our lives. By engaging with the narrative, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the incarnation and the intimate connection we have with God. Reflecting on the story of Jesus' birth allows us to appreciate the depth of God's love and His willingness to enter into the human experience. It challenges us to consider how the incarnation impacts our lives and how we can live in response to this profound mystery. [52:58]
"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." (Galatians 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: As you reflect on the story of Jesus' birth, what new insights or understandings do you gain about God's love and presence in your life?
Quotes
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him, nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. [00:26:08] (31 seconds)
The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only who came from the Father, full. Of grace and truth. The word of God for the people of God, thanks be to God. [00:27:41] (23 seconds)
God puts on flesh and dwells with you and I. C .S. Lewis calls it the grand miracle that takes place. The word becomes flesh. After all, that's what incarnation is all about. It's about a closeness. It's about a nearness. It is a picture of God drawing near to his creation. [00:29:59] (34 seconds)
The God who is close, the God who draws near, the God who's given examples over and over again of his desire not simply to create, but to be involved in the activities of his creation, to be close and imminent and near. [00:30:33] (20 seconds)
And so that word for was made is in the aorist tense. And what that means is this, that God has so wanted to identify with us that Jesus was made flesh and dwelt among us, and it is permanent. [00:39:08] (18 seconds)
It is not like the tabernacle, which no longer exists. It is not like the temple that was torn down. No, in Christ, with flesh, Jesus has become the final word of God on dwelling with you and I. [00:39:26] (20 seconds)
You may not have thought about that a lot. He won't be this ethereal ghost that is floating over everything, and he will be a human being. God so wants to dwell with his people. He so wants to be right in the midst of creation that he says, He said, I'm going to put on flesh for all time. [00:40:00] (24 seconds)
Connection is important. I've told this before, but I remember when I was in Bible college where Melanie was fortunate enough to meet me and date me. We had to have a student ministry, and my roommate and I chose street ministry. [00:41:27] (23 seconds)
Rather than fixing psyches or scolding sinners, we must provide nourishment for the disconnected soul that only a community of connected people can offer. Do you hear that last word, last phrase, that only a community of connected people can offer? [00:47:04] (27 seconds)
There's no coincidence that in this idea of connecting that Jesus, when asked what the greatest commandment is, says to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength, to connect with God and to love your neighbor, as yourself. Connection. [00:48:12] (20 seconds)
This is a God who is near, not far off and uninterested and disconnected, but a God who so wanted to be with us that he put on flesh. You and I are called to do the same for one another. [00:48:54] (22 seconds)
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