Skip to main content

Pastor's Post for December 2023: A Gift Worth Celebrating - The Incarnation

 


A Gift Worth Celebrating: The Incarnation

Have you ever wanted your pet to be able to talk to you? I know I have! It would make things so much simpler to communicate with them and find out what they are thinking, feeling, and where they may be hurting. Of course, you can learn a lot about your pet through training and time, but it's not the same as having a real conversation with another human being.

The birth of Jesus Christ in December is a celebration of our relationship with God. We are His creation, and He created us to be in relationship with Him. However, in our current state on this Earth, with our human flesh, we cannot be in His direct presence. This is evident throughout scripture, where people have had to see God through priests, burning bushes, historical acts, and miracles. God’s word tells us that if we were to look upon Him as we are today, we would surely die. This is why we needed Jesus.

John 1:14 (NLT)
So the Word became human (flesh) and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

The Bible states that Jesus was and is the incarnation of God. The word incarnation means “the act of being made flesh.” God became flesh to walk this earth among His creation.  Like the earlier pet illustration, God presented Himself to us through His son Jesus Christ for us to know Him.  To be our Savior, Jesus had to live under the same curse of sin that we do, yet He never sinned.  He also would have to die by shedding His blood for our sin (Hebrews 9:22).  God did an incredible work in sending His only begotten Son into the world and providing us with a salvation we do not deserve. Now that is a gift worth celebrating this Christmas! - Pastor James


Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Confession, Reflection and The Lord's Supper

Yesterday, our church observed the ordinance of the Lord''s Supper or Communion as some call it.  Our church is blessed to have a committee that prepares this for us on every fifth Sunday.  This practice is designed to take us back in our hearts and minds to that dreadful night where Jesus sat at a table with His disciples to prepare them for His pending crucifixion .   The purpose of the Lord's Supper is not for us to go through the motions, but to remember all that Christ did for us.  His body was broken and blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.  Communion is a time to reflect, appreciate and give honor to Jesus for what He endured for us. This ordinance is not for everyone.  This is only to be taken by those who are believers and accepted Jesus as their ultimate forgiver and leader.  To partake in this service in an unworthy state is sin. 1 Corinthians 11:27 (NLT) 27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this...
Read more

Our Church Needs You Now More Than Ever!

Our Church Needs You Now More Than Ever! Our church stands at a pivotal moment. The needs of our community and world are greater than ever, and we have the opportunity to make a real difference. For generations, Homeland Park Baptist Church has weathered change and persevered, guided by God's hand. This legacy is precious, but today demands action. We can't simply wait for someone else to step up. The time is now for each of us to answer the call. Our leadership team is charting an exciting course for the future, ensuring our mission continues for generations to come. But we need you! No matter your skills or experience, your contribution matters. We have diverse opportunities, big and small, where you can use your unique talents to serve God and make a tangible impact. Whether it's helping families in need, supporting outreach programs, or simply welcoming newcomers, your involvement matters. Together, let's step into this new chapter with faith and dedication. Let...
Read more

The Wondrous Cross

Attention all! As you drive by or visit our church, take a moment to admire the beautiful cross located to the right of our main entrance. This Easter season, we'll be using this cross to commemorate the special days leading up to Jesus' glorious resurrection. Look for the color of the sash to change each day, reflecting the significance of the holy week. A big thank you to Sherry, Ann and Jimmy for making this beautiful cross possible! To God Be The Glory!
Read more