John Gill was a Baptist pastor and theologian in England in the 1700s. He wrote extensively and his writing includes “John Gill’s Body of Doctrinal Divinity.” In it he wrote the following about the incarnation of Christ.

“The incarnation of Christ is a most extraordinary and amazing affair; it is wonderful indeed, that the eternal Son of God should become man; that he should be born of a pure virgin, without any concern of man in it; that he should be born of a pure virgin, without any concern of man in it; that this should be brought about by the power of the Holy Ghost, in a way unseen, imperceptible and unknown, signified by his overshadowing; and all this in order to effect the most wonderful work that ever was done in the world, the redemption and salvation of men: it is a most mysterious thing, incomprehensible by men, and not to be accounted for upon the principles of natural reason; and is only to be believed and embraced upon the credit of divine revelation, to which it solely belongs.”

Gill stated plainly, “God sent his Son in human nature to be the propitiation for the sins of his people and save them from death.”

The Apostle Paul wrote, “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 Timothy 3:16

1 Timothy 3:16 contains a summation of the ministry of Jesus. The word used for mystery in the New Testament refers to the things of God that were once hidden but then revealed in Christ. A mystery is known through the revelation of God. Godliness means a right response to the things of God, which produces righteous living. God took on human flesh to dwell among the people He created so that we might be reconciled to God by faith. This Jesus was preached among the Gentiles and believed on in the world. He was received up into glory in his resurrection body.

The incarnation brought the presence of God.

The incarnation brought the holiness of God.

The incarnation displayed the power of God.

The incarnation focused on the grace of God manifested among His creation.

The incarnation emphasized the love of God made known to the world in Jesus.

The incarnation makes the way for reconciliation with God.

The incarnation says God is with us and God is for us.

Let us rejoice in the incarnation and pray and thank God for what He has done.

Father God, great is the mystery of godliness. We are thankful that you sent your Son Jesus into the world as God in the flesh. He left the glory of Heaven and entered into the brokenness and sin of this world. The one who knew no sin became sin for us at the cross, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. He was buried and raised from the dead and even now is seated are your right hand. We long for and await His return. May we genuinely reflect on what you have done in the incarnation and give you the honor and glory that is due. In Jesus’ name, Amen.