The Wonder of Jesus Birth (the Incarnation)

John 1 – The Wonder of the Incarnation

The Meaning of Jesus’ Birth

John’s Gospel opens with a stunning truth: before anything existed, the Word already existed. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Through Him, all things were made. Nothing in creation exists apart from Him.

The meaning of Jesus’ birth lies in this incredible reality: the eternal Creator entered His creation. In Him was life, and this life was the light of men – a light of goodness, holiness, and blessing that darkness cannot overcome. The joy of Jesus’ birth is that this divine light breaks into our world of sin and suffering, bringing hope, purity, and life.

The Wonder of the Incarnation

The wonder of the Incarnation is awe-inspiring. The Creator became a creature. The One who spans the heavens took on a human body, in the one person of the Son – truly divine yet truly human.

The infinite became finite, the unbounded accepted limits, and the ruler of time became vulnerable. The all-present One, who spans the heavens, took on a human body that could be held in a mother’s arms. The One who placed the stars in their galaxies could not, as a baby, so much as reach to the ceiling above him. He felt pain, hunger, and sorrow, yet did so to make Himself known to us and to show us the light of life that we can have in and through Him.

Jesus Reveals God to Us

In John 1:16–18, we see why this is so significant. Jesus reveals God to us. No one has ever seen God, but the Son has made Him known. When something is beyond our understanding, we use analogies to help explain it. In a real sense, Jesus is God’s perfect revelation. He is far more than an illustration, yet through Him we can see what God is like.

We cannot fully comprehend God’s holiness, justice, wisdom, or love, but we see them lived out in Jesus Christ. His life, His teaching, and ultimately His cross reveal to us some of the character and perfection of God.

The Light of God in Us

Finally, John reminds us that this revelation is not merely to be observed, but received. The pre-existent Word who became flesh and revealed the light of God is also able to bring that light into us. To those who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God, born not by human effort or will, but by the power and grace of God Himself.

The Wonder and Joy of Jesus’ Birth

This is the wonder and joy of Jesus’ birth. God, the infinite, almighty, and perfect Creator, entered His own creation so that He might bring the inexpressibly glorious light of His person, salvation, and communion to those who live in self-inflicted darkness and misery. Praise Him – the Creator became a creature, and His light will never be overcome.