Because He Did, We Can: The Gift of Christ’s Incarnation John 1:1-14

Because He Did, We Can: The Gift of Christ’s Incarnation
John 1:1-14

Every Christmas season, we reflect on the profound mystery of God stepping into humanity through the birth of Christ. Today, we explore the significance of this act of love through John 1:1-14 and how it transforms our lives.

The title of today’s message is “Because He Did, We Can: The Gift of Christ’s Incarnation.” It reminds us that because Christ came, we are offered a new identity, a relationship with God, and a purpose-filled life.

A Story of Transformation

Let me share a story to illustrate. Two brothers, Lance and Sam, discovered an old house in the woods near their home. Inside, they found a massive fireproof safe. Their exploration led to an encounter with Mr. Crenshaw, their elderly neighbor.

Over time, Mr. Crenshaw became like a grandfather to them, teaching them life skills and sharing stories. When he passed away, the boys were devastated. Months later, they discovered Mr. Crenshaw had left them an inheritance, including land and $100 million each.

This story highlights the transformative power of unearned gifts. Just as Mr. Crenshaw’s kindness changed Lance and Sam’s lives, the gift of Christ’s incarnation offers us eternal transformation—far beyond material wealth.

The Word Became Flesh

In John 1:1-14, Jesus is described as “the Word.” This term, “Logos,” carried deep meaning for both Greeks and Jews:

• To the Greeks, Logos was the rational principle governing the universe.

• To the Jews, it represented God’s spoken word in creation and revelation.

John declares, “The Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). In Jesus, the invisible God became visible, bringing light and life to a dark and broken world.

Think of words as a way to make invisible thoughts known. Without words, many concepts—like mathematical theorems, mnemonics, or even binary code—would remain incomprehensible. Similarly, Jesus, as the Word, makes the incomprehensible God understandable to us.

Through Jesus:

• God’s compassion is revealed when He heals the sick.

• His authority is displayed when He calms storms.

• His mercy is shown when He forgives sins.

• His love is demonstrated on the cross.

Jesus isn’t just a messenger of God; He is God, entering our world to reconcile us to Himself.

Light in the Darkness

John writes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). This verse reminds us that no matter how deep the darkness—whether it’s sin, suffering, or loss—Christ’s light is stronger.

Saint Augustine once prayed, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” We all experience this restlessness—a longing for something more. Blaise Pascal described it as an “infinite void” that only God can fill.

Jesus, the true light, offers peace and purpose that no earthly pursuit can provide. When we accept Him, His light shines into our lives, healing our brokenness and guiding our path.

A God Who Holds All Things Together

John 1:3 tells us, “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”

Consider this: the very nails that held Jesus to the cross were held together by His power. As Colossians 1:17 says, “In Him, all things hold together.”

Christ, who sustains the universe, chose to endure the cross out of love for us. If He can hold the universe together, how much more can He sustain us through life’s uncertainties?

A Call to Respond

Whenever God speaks, there’s a response. Sometimes it’s action, other times inaction—but even inaction is a decision.

Pontius Pilate famously declared himself “innocent” of Jesus’ blood, yet his inaction led to Christ’s crucifixion. Pilate’s failure to act wasn’t neutral; it had eternal consequences.

Similarly, we must decide how we respond to Christ. Will we embrace Him as the light of our lives, or will we remain in darkness?

The Incarnation: God Stepping Into Our Story

John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” This means the eternal Creator entered His creation to redeem it.

An ancient philosopher once said, “The solution to the riddle of life in space and time lies outside space and time.” Jesus, the eternal Word, stepped into space and time to solve the riddle of human existence, offering hope and redemption.

Jesus didn’t remain distant; He became Immanuel—“God with us.” Through His incarnation, we are no longer lost but redeemed, no longer restless but at peace.

A Poem of Reflection

Let’s close with this poem:

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
To many, it seemed like humanity’s loss.

But as the Scriptures proclaim and boldly say,
This was not plan B—it was always plan A.

Christ entered the world to bear our sin,
And through His sacrifice, our victory begins.

So when you see the cross, don’t count it a loss,
For it brought redemption through Christ’s great cost.

Though many may strive to move Him aside,
Christ remains central—our hope, our guide.

Through the cross, His love and power are shown,
The greatest victory the world has ever known.