Why would the all-holy God become a man? (see 2 Cor 5:21; cf Jn 1:14) To Muslims and Jews, it seems blasphemous to suggest that the Supreme Being became a tiny embryo implanted in the wall of Mary's uterus. Why would the Creator be "born in the likeness of men"? (Phil 2:7) "How can this be?" (Lk 1:34)
Jesus' Incarnation should blow our minds. This will result either in confusion or in fear of the Lord. If we accept the Spirit's gift of fear of the Lord, we will begin to have wisdom (Prv 9:10). We will realize that God is so holy He is beyond our concepts of holiness. We will wisely see that we are so fallen that only the incarnate, crucified, and risen God can save us from our sins against the all-holy One. If we begin to understand that the Incarnation is a mystery, we will be wise enough to worship, obey, and serve Jesus with abandon. We will receive the incarnate Jesus in Holy Communion as often as possible. We will tell the world about Him. We will never be the same. We will be shocked out of selfishness and into reality.
| PRAYER: | Father, "let it be done to me as You say" (Lk 1:38). |
| PROMISE: | "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel." –Is 7:14 |
| PRAISE: | "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory" (Jn 1:14). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College