The Mystery of the Incarnation
- Pastor Tony
- Dec 23, 2014
- 3 min read
Is it possible, we’ve missed part of the Christmas story? Did we overlook parts that God included, included for us to ponder? What exactly am I getting at, you may ask? The Bible has given us elements in the story of the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus, and you may be saying, “I’ve heard this story since I was a kid. What could you show me, which has not been shown before?” Well, I’m not sure that everything I will point out is new to you, but may be some of them are.
Let’s first look at Mary. Venerated by millions of faithful admirers, Mary is unique in our story. First, she was a virgin. You say, “Duh, that’s not new.” But let’s look at Luke’s words. Luke 1:27 (KJV) “To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.” Also, Luke 1:34 (KJV) “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Luke has a need to point out, three times, of Mary’s sexual purity (Mary’s admission, “I know not a man?” is a claim of virginity). Now, the Bible seems to makes no point of the importance of her virginity, except, its prophetic fulfillment, Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” But, what had to happen that day, the day of the conception of Jesus, had to be different, unique, yes, even God-made. Jesus’ birth could not be the result of Joseph’s participation. Joseph and Mary had other children, none but Jesus could claim any divinity. No, Jesus virgin birth was a miraculous birth, as only it could have been possible.
Joseph part in the story is both, minimal and significant. His minimal participation is in the conception. As we have pointed out, Mary was a virgin, Joseph was not the biological father. But, Joseph’s significant participation would begin immediately in the story. Joseph is told, by Mary or more likely by a nosy neighbor, that Mary was pregnant (have you ever thought, Mary was hid at the house of Elizabeth until she began showing) and he was put under pressure to do something. First, Matthew 1:19 (KJV) “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.” Joseph’s character shines forth in this verse. A just man (actually the original Greek, says just ‘Just’) who wished not to add to Mary’s and his shame. His actions speak loud, because he says nothing, or more accurately; nothing is ever recorded he said. No, Jospeh is our example of doing, of doing the right thing in the face of doubt, fears and negative opinions. Believe me, in a small village like Nazareth (many Biblical/Archeologist think Nazareth at Jesus’ birth may have been only 300-400 people), people’s wagging tongues would have made life for Mary and Joseph miserable. And, needless to say, the rest of Joseph’s day were significant, raising the Son of God as his son, incredible pressure.
Have you ever considered the shepherds? By the time of Jesus day, shepherds were considered dregs of society, untrustworthy, dirty and outcast. Yet, the shepherds became the first evangelist, proclaiming the message of the now born King of the Jews. Luke 2:18 (KJV) “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” What a sight a bunch of shepherds, probably dragging their sheep through the streets of Bethlehem, declaring the coming of Messiah. To best illustrate, I’ll compare the shepherds to used car salesmen of our day. And of course I’m talking stereotypes. It would be like, today, God had some urgent message and He sent a band of angels to a used car salesman convention and said, “God wants you guys to declare this great thing.” I can imagine as those used car salesman began preaching their message, many would doubt its veracity, wouldn’t you. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom, choose the least of society to see and tell the message of Immanuel-GOD WITH US!!!
So, a challenge to you, I make. Look at the Christmas story with fresh eyes. Find a child to read it to, and discover their wonder of its magical moments. Look for things, you had really thought of or noticed. But most of all, celebrate, in whatever way you wish, the coming of the very special Baby. Celebrate God stepping into a moment of time and place, choosing to be a man, destined to give His life for us. That Baby was born, to die!