The Incarnation of the Word
VBC Albuquerque · Dec 9, 2023
This sermon presents the Incarnation of Christ—when the Word became flesh to redeem humanity. Drawing from John 1 and Luke 2, the preacher explores the nature of Christ as both God and human, and His significance in God's plan of salvation.
The first section of the sermon explores the angel Gabriel's announcement in Luke 2:10-14, proclaiming the gospel of the birth of the Savior in the city of David. The angel declares that those who witness an infant wrapped in cloth lying in a manger will see the sign of the Redeemer. This humility—a newborn in difficult circumstances—sharply contrasts with the world's expectation of a mighty, authoritative savior.
The second section develops the theology of the Incarnation by citing John 1:1-5 and 1:14, where the apostle John proclaims that the Word was God and has become flesh to dwell among us. The sermon illuminates the eternal identity of Christ—He is the agent of creation, the life and light of humanity. Through theological concepts such as homoousios (same substance) and homoiousios (similar substance), the sermon explains the correct understanding of the Trinitarian nature of God and the role of the Word in classical Christian theology.
The third section applies the message to the present-day life of believers, citing Hebrews 2:17-18 to demonstrate that Christ had to become like His brothers in every respect—experiencing suffering, temptation, and trial—in order to heal and save those who are tempted. The sermon emphasizes that the Incarnation is not merely a historical event but the foundation for His Substitutionary Atonement. John 3:17 is cited to remind that Christ came not to judge but to save.
The fourth section concludes by using 2 Corinthians 8:9, where the apostle Paul adds that although Christ was rich, because of His love for us, He made Himself poor so that we might become rich. A return to Ephesians 1:3 emphasizes that because of the Incarnation and the redemptive work of Christ, believers have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. The sermon teaches the congregation that the Incarnation is the central event of the Gospel, in which the Love of God is expressed most clearly.