Imagine the ‘time’ in eternity past when the Triune God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) was planning creation, specifically the creation of mankind…

They planned to make mankind in their own image. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness . . .’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27. The Triune God created man the way he is knowing that “when the time had fully come” God the Father would send his Son to be “born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4), to be “made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7), to be “found in appearance as a man” (Philippians 2:8), to “share in their humanity” (Hebrews 2:14) . . . to be like us, except for sin (Hebrews 4:15)!

The Triune God decided to reveal himself to humans by becoming human! He “appeared in a body” (1 Timothy 3:16)! “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth . . . No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known” (John 1:14, 18).

God the Son came into our world by being born of the Virgin Mary. He lived in a body, fully obeying the Law we have all broken. He died on the cross in our place for our sins. He defeated sin, Satan, and death in his body on the cross (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15). He was buried in the tomb, and on the third day he was raised from the dead in a body—a “glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). He ascended bodily into heaven where he sits at the right hand of the Father . . . in a body! We have man in glory who understands us, who is able to sympathize with us and help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). And he is coming again in a body (Acts 1:10-11)! For all eternity the Son of God will be “in a body.” This is amazing! This is what Christmas celebrates. Let’s not sentimentalize it. Let’s not turn it into something trivial. Let’s not rob it of its wonder. Let us think on these things . . . and adore!

Thanks for your prayers, love, and faithful service during 2012.

Irene, and all the Rosebank pastors and staff team, join me in wishing you a safe and restful holiday, and a Christmas filled with wonder.
Your friend and pastor,

Leigh