The Incarnation: Miracles vs. Modernity
Once upon a time, there was a world where it was always winter, but never Christmas, you may be familiar with that place called “Narnia“ to which Aslan, the Son of the Great King comes and defeats death and evil by giving up his life and rising to life again. Aslan was symbolic of Jesus! And now, we may live through all winters and dark times in the hope and light of Christmas, the rock solid reality of the Incarnation of the Son of God.
Christmas Eve is symbolically and nearly literally the darkest day of the year. The Winter Solstice usually falls on December 21st, when the sun reaches its southern-most extremity, making winter for the northern hemisphere. So we have the longest night and the shortest day. And then light increases day by day. This is a seasonal reminder of the gospel. God sent His Son to be born as the light of the world. The darkest night of the world is overcome by the light of God's Son. St. Cyprian (b. 200 A.D.) said "O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born Christ should be born."
To those that are perishing, we are now celebrating an absurdity. God became man by means of a virgin birth. In his book ‘Miracles‘, C.S. Lewis writes, "The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares the way for this, or results from this."
Ironically, claims of Light coming into the darkness have been treated with contempt since the Enlightenment. It is an intellectual crime to believe in miracles. Now religion is like Thomas Jefferson’s Bible- with all the miracles cut out of the New Testament. Jesus is thus nothing more than a moral teacher with slightly communistic overtones who lies sealed in the tomb at the end.
David Hume, the 18th Century Scottish philosopher, in his famous work ‘An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding’ said, "A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature; and as firm and unalterable experience has established these laws, the proof against a miracle, from the very nature of the fact, is as entire as any argument from experience can possibly be imagined."
We have many accounts of biblical miracles (reading through the Gospels you‘ll find one practically on every page), but the credibility of such accounts of miracles cannot be trusted to those who (somehow) know before hand that no miracles can happen. Like Amish horses with blinders on, the unbelieving mind cannot see outside of its preconceptions.
St. Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 4:6, "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." The first Advent fulfilled about 300 specific Old Testament prophecies. Yet, Carl Sagan said, "Think of how many religions attempt to validate themselves with prophecy. Think of how many people rely on these prophecies, however vague, however unfulfilled, to support or prop up their beliefs." The Incarnation is truly the Light with which all other Christian doctrines may be studied and without it no others matter. From the great works of power through Moses in the Exodus or acts of fiery prophets — all were to form or keep Israel as a vessel for the one "Seed," Jesus. Jesus' own miracles require the Incarnation and the resurrection is climax of the Incarnation. The apostolic works of power testify of the Incarnation in resurrection glory.
The Incarnation was not a random act of power. It was not a magic trick of a super intelligence. Christian miracles are not about a spectacular, supra-human prodigy, Jesus. They fit within the Story of a fallen humanity redeemed. The virgin birth was the pivot point of God making humanity anew. The centrality of the Incarnation is perfectly clear as the climax of the Story. It is like the lost chapter which makes the whole book work. It is like the key to unlock the treasure chest. It is like the musical theme of the symphony. Without it, the rest is incoherent, unintelligible. Just sound and fury signifying nothing.
With all this said, and with the Holy Spirit convincing me of the truth of God’s Word, I have one aching question, “How can I make my part in the unfolding Story of God redeeming fallen humanity through the Incarnation of Jesus even more rich and satisfying?”
Good question! Here are a few suggestions:
1. Set aside more time for personal prayer, Bible Study and public Worship.
2. Be prepared to tell others of your hope and joy in Jesus Christ.
3. Take more joy in what you give than what you receive.
4. Plan to give of your surplus by going through your closets, toy boxes, garages, attics, etc.
5. Give to those that you know are in need, in whatever manner you can.
The Peace and joy of Jesus fill your hearts and homes this Christmas and always!
Pastor Timothy J. Brand
