As we approach Christmas, we ponder the coming of Christ and the wonder of His incarnation – His putting on human flesh and humbling himself as a man. But the weight of this action is often lost on us. Because we have never been anything other than human, or experienced anything other than the weaknesses and deficiencies that come along with this reality, the idea of becoming man doesn’t seem like such a big deal. But when you really consider the gap between us and God – His perfection, His omnipotence, His infinite nature – the idea of Him lowering himself to even think about mankind is staggering, let alone deigning to become man.
Charles Spurgeon was grappling with this thought when he penned these words below. Let the wonder of the incarnation lead you to awe and worship this advent season. Let it fill you with utter joy, that the infinitely good and powerful God, laid aside His glory so He could reconcile you back to Himself.
“Oh, wonder of wonders! Manger of Bethlehem, miracles have poured into you. This is a sight that surpasses all others. Talk of the sun, moon, and stars; consider the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, the moon and the stars that he has ordained; but all the wonders of the universe shrink into nothing, when we come to the mystery of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ…
There have been sights matchless and wonderful, at which we might look for years, and yet turn away and say, “I cannot understand this…” But all things are as nothing, compared with the incarnation of the Son of God. The Angels never cease to tell the astonishing story, and to tell it with increasing astonishment too, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary, and became a man. Is he not rightly called Wonderful?
Infinite, and an infant — eternal, and yet born of a woman — Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman’s breast — supporting the universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms — king of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph — heir of all things and yet the carpenter’s despised son. Wonderful are you, Oh Jesus, and shall your name be forever.”
Charles Spurgeon
