December 25

Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. — Phil 2:6-7 BSB

The humanity of our blessed Lord was real flesh and blood from the moment of His conception—a perfect human body, united with a perfect human soul, both without sin. If He had sin, He could not have been the Lamb without blemish; His pure humanity had to be without sin for Him to be that “holy One” born of the Virgin, who would be called the Son of God. He came forth as the Lamb of God, without spot or blemish. The Apostle rightly declared, “Great is the mystery of godliness.” Here, like in a mirror, we see the wonderful love of Jesus: that He, the Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, sharing the Father’s essence and glory, would stoop so low to lift us so high. He condescended to take on our nature—flesh and blood—united to His glorious person, wearing a human body like our own, feeling as we feel, speaking as we speak, walking, eating, drinking, hungering, thirsting, weeping, sighing, and mourning like us. And yet, through it all, He was the Son of God, with His divine nature in perfect union with His human nature, just as our soul is united with our body.

We do not fully understand how our soul is united with our body. We know it is, but we cannot explain the mystery. Similarly, we cannot explain how Christ’s divine nature is united with His human nature, though we know it by the testimony of God in His Word. That revelation satisfies the believer’s inquiry. But if someone asks, “Can you explain the mystery of the two natures in Christ?” I would reply, “Can you explain the mystery of your own existence? Can you explain how you lift your hand, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, or move with your feet? No philosopher has ever explained these simple actions, though a child can perform them. Can you explain how your mind acts on your body, or how you will something in your mind and it happens instantly with your body?” Until you can unravel the mystery of your soul’s union with your body, I will not ask you to explain the union of Deity and humanity in the person of Christ, both as He lived on earth and now as He lives in heaven.” How beautifully William Cowper puts it: "How it was done, we can't discuss; but this we know, 'twas done for us."

Blessed are those who can say this without a moment's hesitation!