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The simplicity of the Gospel of Grace is clearly seen in the momentous event of Christ’s birth.  The virgin birth of Christ was a miraculous occasion in human history.  That the perfect Son of God should enter into our depraved world in such a simple, humble manner baffles the human mind.

Christ’s condescension – a mystery

Our Lord Jesus Christ is “the mighty God” (Isa. 9: 6).  He is the second Person of the Holy Trinity.  He is God from eternity to eternity:  “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Ps. 90: 2).  Yet the Lord condescended to live amongst sinful man.  He was born in a stable where the animals were kept, and placed in a manger – a feeding trough for animals.  He grew up in a poor carpenter’s home. 

Many do not understand how an infinite God can take on the form of a finite creature.  Thus, they totally reject this glorious truth.  One writer puts it aptly: “Rejection does not mean that this great event does not take place.  The conception and birth of Christ the Son must remain a mystery that defies all human reasoning, because human minds simply lack the ability to understand it.”  God’s Word states that this is a great mystery: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Tim. 3: 16). 

While on earth, Jesus had to endure living in a wicked and corrupt world.  At the end of His earthly sojourn, He suffered at the hands of sinful man, and went to the cross for our sakes: “… But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philp. 2: 7-8). 

God’s love

Brethren, do we ever ask ourselves: “Why did the Almighty God give up the glories of Heaven to be a ransom for the fallen race of Adam?”

It was God’s love that sent His only begotten Son to save us from our sins: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (Jn. 3: 16-17). 

Thank God for the sacrifice of His Son for the redemption of mankind.  How great and marvellous is this love!  To help us understand the condescension of our Lord, let us consider the following illustration taken from “Evangelical Tract Distributor” (slightly adapted) : “It is evident that we must identify with the people we serve.  We have seen on TV, the tribal lives of certain undeveloped regions of the world.  We feel for the people there.  We wish to express our love to them, and to go into their midst to help them.  But we can do so only if we are fully identified with them – to live the way they live in every aspect of life; to conform to their customs and traditions, however uncivilised they may be.  We may be required to give up our citizenship to labour among them as a citizen of their country for life.  We may not be able to return to our native land.  Is there anyone among us who is willing to go on these terms?  No,  not one.  But Jesus was willing.  He set aside His heavenly glory and dwelt amongst men.  He came into the world to be our Saviour, to deliver us from our sins.”

Conclusion

Our Saviour’s condescension is a mystery.  As finite beings, we cannot fully understand it.  But we thank God for the humble Babe of Bethlehem Who came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (Jn. 10: 10).  Let us respond appropriately to love the Lord and to do His will.  May we learn from His example of condescension, and deal graciously with our fellowmen.

For those who do not know the Lord, He invites you to come to Him:  “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matt. 11: 28-30).  May we commit our lives to the Prince of Peace Who alone can grant peace to the troubled heart. 

Wishing all a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Pastor