Journey To The MangerSample

The Incarnation

The most famous portion of Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the Sistine Chapel ceiling is called The Creation of Adam. Adam reclines on a rock, while God, rushing by in the clouds, extends His creative finger toward the first man. Adam reaches out toward God and their outstretched fingers almost meet—but they do not touch.

Contrast this image with the beauty of the incarnation: God becoming flesh so that He might not only be close to His creation, but also live as one of us, fully human and fully divine. The word “incarnation” may sound like a formal theological word, but it’s really a word that represents incredible intimacy.

Jesus became a baby, then a child, then an adolescent, and then a grown man—so that He could intimately relate to us in every way. There is no sacrifice that can compare with His.

Activity: Spend some time alone in nature. Contemplate how Jesus’ earthly life enables Him to relate to you right where you are.