Incarnation and the Dignity of Man

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14, NASB)

One of the greatest examples of respect and esteem for humanity is rooted in the Christian doctrine of incarnation. It this divine act within time space, God pouring out His love for the lost, we can understand the true intrinsic worth of mankind.

According to the biblical drama, God in the beginning creates the universe, and fashions man—both male and female—in the image of God. Of course, man fell into sin, and separation from God. Yet, God incarnated himself, entering this world through the virgin’s womb, living among us in the person of Jesus Christ, who dies upon the cross, according to the Scripture, to pay the penalty of man’s sin, and He rises again so that man may have eternal life. It is through Christ, that man be reconciled to the Father in Heaven, and be united in a dynamic relationship with God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Good News of Christ gives man both new spiritual life and the hope of the resurrection.

It is the love of God poured out upon man that enables man to see his true intrinsic worth. Those who care for the unborn, the sick, the poor, the least, and the lost of this world, are ultimately reflecting the very same divine love that was demonstrated in incarnation. It is this kind of compassion, the expression of agape love, that ultimately forms the very foundation of the spirit of Christmas that really brings out the best in this season, not the lifeless materialism that preoccupies carnal minds.

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