Explore the profound implications of Christmas as God becomes human through Jesus. The discussion highlights His shared suffering and the importance of recognizing our struggles. It delves into God's deep concern for our physical and emotional well-being, emphasizing our relational connection with Him. The significance of the incarnation invites listeners to engage with worldly issues and find solace in God's understanding presence, transforming how we approach our own hardships.
The incarnation of Jesus exemplifies God's deep concern for the physical world and His engagement with human suffering.
Christmas highlights God's desire for a genuine relational connection with humanity, emphasizing intimacy and accessibility through Jesus Christ.
Deep dives
The Radical Implications of the Incarnation
The Christmas story reveals that God is deeply concerned about the physical world, embodied by the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Unlike other philosophies that dismiss matter as temporary or less real, Christianity presents a God who actively engages with creation, demonstrating His care by sharing in human experiences. This profound connection emphasizes that God’s intention is not merely to redeem souls but to address the suffering and brokenness of the physical world. Consequently, Christians are called to follow this example by not passively accepting societal issues but by actively participating in alleviating suffering and injustices.
Understanding Human Suffering Through Christ
The full humanity of Jesus is illustrated through His willingness to suffer, which connects Him to those enduring pain and hardship. By experiencing temptation and suffering firsthand, He embodies a compassionate high priest who understands human struggles rather than remaining an aloof figure. This knowledge of sorrow enables believers to approach Jesus with their brokenness, knowing He empathizes with their experiences. A powerful example is drawn from an x-ray technician who, after suffering himself, realized the importance of treating patients with gentleness—akin to how Christ, who knows suffering, offers understanding and care to those in need.
The Relational Nature of God
Christmas signifies God's desire for a deep relational connection with humanity, as evidenced by the incarnation of Christ, who serves as a mediator between God and people. Unlike a distant ruler, God chose to engage intimately with humans by becoming approachable and vulnerable as a baby. This accessibility means that believers can experience the fullness of God’s presence in their lives, transforming worship from mere obligation to a genuine connection. The story of Christmas reveals that through Jesus, believers can trust in a loving relationship with God that not only purifies but also brings lasting joy and peace.
The meaning of Christmas is that God got flesh and blood. In Jesus Christ the holy and transcendent God became really and fully and truly human. He shared in our humanity.
I submit to you that the traditional, moralistic religion has completely forgotten this whole idea. In fact, I submit to you that if you and I really undertstood the fact that Jesus Christ shares in our humanity, we’d live differently.
What does that teach us about God? It teaches us three things: 1) God has a concern for the physical, 2) God has a knowledge of the sorrowful, and 3) God desires the relational.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 18, 1994. Series: The Nature of Faith. Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-18.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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