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Jesus’ incarnation and Christmas

By Moji Solanke
11 December 2016   |   2:34 am
Jesus appeared in the flesh. This incarnate manifestation of the Messiah makes Him better understood and more readily relatable to humanity. The Bible teaches the purpose for which Jesus was manifested.

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Jesus appeared in the flesh. This incarnate manifestation of the Messiah makes Him better understood and more readily relatable to humanity. The Bible teaches the purpose for which Jesus was manifested. John 3:16, says it is proof that God so loves the world. Jesus Himself says in John 6:40 that those who see Him and believe in Him shall have everlasting life. Another reason for Jesus’ manifestation, according to I John 3:8, is to destroy the works of the devil.

The founder of The Church of Christ, Scientist, Mary Baker Eddy, gives practical insight in Science and Health with key to the Scriptures as to how Christians of today may follow Jesus’ example and see the destruction of evil – the works of the devil – in their own experience. She writes, ‘Christ, Truth, was demonstrated through Jesus to prove the power of Spirit over the flesh, — to show that Truth is made manifest by its effects upon the human mind and body, healing sickness and destroying sin.’ She defines Christ as ‘the divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error,’ [ibid].

During the Christmas season and every day of the year, Christians should watch and pray to recognise the ‘foe in ambush.’ This can come as insidious thoughts that would try to diminish or trivialise the purpose of Jesus’ coming in the flesh, and thereby curtail his full message of salvation.

The incorporeal Christ, whom the incarnate Jesus says antedated Abraham, and is the same yesterday, today and forever, is ‘Immanuel,’ God with us, enabling man to prove the Kingdom of God within. So, the Word became flesh to reveal the good news that God made man in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). Christ Jesus’ teachings and exemplary life show mankind how to prove this ‘Kingdom within’ – how to be ‘perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect’ Matthew 5:48.

However, we choose to enjoy the festivities of this Christmas season, quiet, spiritually inspired thought reveals the significance of Jesus’ incarnation – that man is a joint heir with Christ. Then, each heart may hear the angelic singing: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to man.
• Moji Solanke, m_asolanke@hotmail.com
Christian Science Committee on Publication for Nigeria West

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