The Word Was Made Flesh

Dear Brethren,

This world is in a state of confusion when it comes to the birth of Jesus Christ.  The confusion goes much deeper than the date of the birth of Jesus, the number of wise men from the east, and the pagan christmas tree.  Why did Jesus come in the flesh?  Matthew reveals that the angel of the Lord announced that His name would be Emmanuel - which means God with us.  What this world cannot understand is that the Son of God came in the flesh so that we, in the flesh, might become Children of God.

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins."  

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Isaiah 7:14 Immanuel)  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus." (Matthew 1:18-25)

Chapter two of Matthew goes into the story of the wise men from the east, their gifts of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh, and Herod's slaying the males up to two years old.  Actually the story of the wise men reveals fulfilled prophecy in that the wise men knew when and where to expect the Messiah!

"The angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."  (Luke 1:30-35)

We do not have to shy away from the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Mary was a virgin, and the Scripture says that all generations would call her blessed.  "For He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed."  (Luke 1:48)

"Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."  (Luke 2:4-7)

Brethren, while this dying world thinks that they know the "Reason for the Season," let's remember the real reason that Jesus came in the flesh.  He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.  We are reconciled to our Abba, Father.  The world is missing so much of the truth of the Father and why He sent His son to this earth.  "Because you are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."  (Galatians 4:6-7)  "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."  (John 1:14)

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Sermon:  "The Word Was Made Flesh"

This is #4 in the series:  A Blending of the Gospel Accounts


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