CS Lewis calls the Incarnation "The Grand Miracle."
The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation...God became Man. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this….it was the central event in the history of the Earth–the very thing the whole story has been about.
Miracles, “The Grand Miracle,” C.S. Lewis
In chapter 2 of Hebrews, we continue the thought that Jesus Christ is better than the angels...not just because He's the Son of GOD, but because He's the Son of MAN. What an incredibly important truth for fallen man!
Our destiny that was lost (Hebrews 2:5-8) is now regained in the God-Man Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:9-18). Here are 3 suggestions for your study of this passage:
- Play and read through the lyrics of your favorite Christmas carol or enjoy the one below. Take 2 colored pencils and mark in one color, references to Jesus as God and in another color, references to Jesus as Man. If you are really ambitious, do the Bible study associated with each line.
- Go through Hebrews 2:9-18 and see if you can give 5 descriptions of Jesus as our God-Man. They are listed for you below,* but why not try them on your own first.
- Spend time reflecting on how your Great High Priest has come to your aid in the past and how you need Him to come to your aid today. Praise and pray!
Homework -- Read Hebrews 3:1-4:13
Answer questions in Hoping for Something Better, p. 190-192
Read chapter 3, p. 37-53, Hoping…
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
Hark! The herald angels sing, Luke 2:13
“Glory to the newborn King! Luke 2:14
Peace on earth and mercy mild, Luke 2:14
God and sinners reconciled.” Luke 2 :14; Rom 5:8-11; II Cor 5:18-19
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Luke 2:10; Luke 2:32
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem. Luke 2:11
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ by highest heaven adored; John 17:23-26; 15:9; 3:35; Matthew 3:17
Christ the everlasting Lord! Luke 2:11
Late in time behold Him come, Galatians 4:4
Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:34,35; Galatians 4:4
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hebrews 10:20; Romans 8:3; John 1:14
Hail the incarnate Deity. Colossians 2:9
Pleased as man with man to dwell, Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus, our Emmanuel Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 1:21,25
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6
Hail the Son of Righteousness! Malachi 4:2
Light and life to all He brings, John 6:35, 8:12, 10:2, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:5
Ris’n with healing in His wings. Malachi 4:2
Mild He lays His glory by, Philippians 2:5-8
Born that man no more may die John 3:16; 1John 4:9, 3:2
Born to raise the sons of earth; I Corinthians 15:20-28, 35-49; Philippians 3:20-21
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Words: Charles Wesley (1707-88), George Whitfield (1714-70),
Music: Mendelssohn, from a chorus by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47), adapted by William H. Cummings
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiP6HtIaJ70[/youtube]
For the story behind the carol, click HERE
Just for fun...a story and a song. We closed with this in our group this week :)
A Cake and a Savior: Welcome to our World
*Descriptions of Jesus Christ, the God-Man:
1. He is my Substitute (2:9)
2. He is my Savior (2:10-11a)
3. He is my Brother (2:11b-14a)
4. He is my Deliverer (2:14b-15)
5. He is my Helper / High Priest (2:16-18)
