Out of Egypt: The Holy Family's Flight and the Church of the Martyrs

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to share something that connects the Christmas story to one of the oldest and most persecuted Christian communities in the world—the Coptic Church of Egypt. It's a story that begins with the Holy Family's flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's murderous rage, and it continues through 2,000 years of Egyptian Christianity marked by both triumph and tremendous suffering.

Let me start by reading from Matthew 2:13-15: "Now when they (the wise men) had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the Child to destroy Him.' And he rose and took the Child and His mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet (Hosea 11:1), 'Out of Egypt I called My Son.'"

[The deeper meaning - Ferguson's insights]

Now, most of us know this story as part of the Christmas narrative. The wise men visit Jesus, they don't return to Herod, and Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt for safety. But theologian Sinclair B. Ferguson, in his book "The Dawn of Redeeming Grace," helps us see something much deeper happening here.

Ferguson writes: "The point in this story of Egyptian exile is about Jesus' identity; for later, once Herod was dead, Jesus would be brought out of Egypt, and thus fulfill Hosea 11:1...which reflects on the rescue of God's people - His 'son' Israel - from slavery in Egypt."

Do you see what Matthew is doing? He's showing us that Jesus is reliving Israel's history—but this time, doing it perfectly. Israel went down to Egypt as a family (Jacob and his sons during the famine), grew into a nation there, and then God called them out through Moses in the Exodus. Now Jesus—God's true Son—goes down to Egypt as a child and is called out, fulfilling what God had always intended through Israel's story.

[The pattern of exodus - Jesus as the fulfillment]

Ferguson continues: "In Matthew's account of their escape to Egypt, 'there are echoes of the story told in Genesis and Exodus. A family goes down into Egypt; a child is rescued from a wicked ruler; he grows up and leads his people out of their bondage; they pass through the waters of the sea; they are tested in the wilderness; eventually they reach the borders of the promised land.'"

Think about those parallels! Moses was rescued from Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew boys. Jesus was rescued from Herod's order to kill baby boys in Bethlehem. Moses led Israel through the Red Sea. Jesus would be baptized in the Jordan River. Israel was tested in the wilderness for 40 years. Jesus was tested in the wilderness for 40 days. Israel entered the Promised Land. Jesus would lead His people to the ultimate promised land—eternal life with God.

Ferguson writes: "These events are like a shadow cast backwards into history from the life of the Lord. He is the reality. He is the true Son of God who was called out of Egypt; He would go through the waters in His baptism in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:1-17); He would be tested in the wilderness (4:1-11)."

[The greater exodus - eternal salvation]

Here's what Matthew is telling us: "In Jesus a greater exodus has begun." The first exodus delivered Israel from physical slavery in Egypt. But Jesus came to accomplish a far greater exodus—deliverance from spiritual slavery to sin, Satan, and death.

Ferguson notes that 30 years later, on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus discussed with Moses and Elijah the "departure"—literally the "exodus" in Greek (Luke 9:31)—that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. "This true and final exodus would not be a physical deliverance from an earthly pharaoh. It would be deliverance from Satan, and from the guilt, and power, and shame of sin."

So Jesus being taken to Egypt wasn't just about His safety—though it was that. It was about fulfilling a divine pattern, filling up a prophecy that God had written into Israel's history to point forward to the ultimate salvation Jesus would bring. As Ferguson beautifully concludes: "Now there is no earthly danger, worldly power, or spiritual snare that His people need to fear. Everywhere we look into this story, we discover that it is all about salvation. That is its central message. That is the Christmas message. And it is our greatest need."

[Where Jesus went in Egypt - the tradition]

Now, according to ancient Coptic Christian tradition, the Holy Family didn't just briefly pass through Egypt—they spent several years there, perhaps as long as three years. Coptic tradition identifies numerous sites in Egypt where the Holy Family stayed, creating a "Holy Family Trail" that Coptic Christians have venerated for centuries.

They traveled south along the Nile, and tradition says they stopped at places like Matariya (where a tree is said to have bowed to Jesus), Old Cairo (where the Church of Abu Serga now stands, built over a cave where they supposedly sheltered), and even as far south as Assiut. Whether all these specific sites are historically accurate, we can't know for certain. But what we do know is that Egypt became a refuge for the infant Christ—and later, Egypt became home to one of the strongest early Christian communities in the world.

[Christianity comes to Egypt - Mark the Evangelist]

According to tradition, Christianity was brought to Egypt by Mark the Evangelist—the same Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark—around 42-43 AD. Mark is said to have established the Church of Alexandria, which became one of the most important centers of early Christianity, rivaling Rome, Antioch, and Constantinople.

Alexandria had a massive Jewish population, and the Gospel spread first among these Jews, then to native Egyptians. By the 2nd century AD, Christianity was growing rapidly in Egypt. The Coptic Church—"Coptic" comes from the Greek word for Egypt—developed as a distinctly Egyptian expression of Christianity, using the Coptic language (descended from ancient Egyptian) in their liturgy.

[The Desert Fathers - monasticism born in Egypt]

Egypt became the birthplace of Christian monasticism. In the 3rd and 4th centuries, believers fled to the Egyptian desert to devote themselves entirely to prayer, fasting, and spiritual warfare. Saint Anthony the Great (251-356 AD) is considered the father of monasticism. He sold all his possessions, moved to the desert, and spent decades in solitude seeking God. His example inspired thousands of others.

Saint Pachomius (292-348 AD) organized these hermits into communal monasteries. The Wadi El Natrun valley, west of the Nile Delta, became filled with monasteries—some of which still exist today, nearly 1,700 years later! Egyptian monasticism influenced all of Christianity. When missionaries like John Cassian brought monastic practices to the West, they were bringing traditions developed in the Egyptian desert.

[The golden age - Alexandria's influence]

By the 4th and 5th centuries, Alexandria was one of Christianity's greatest intellectual centers. The Catechetical School of Alexandria, founded in the 2nd century, produced brilliant theologians like Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Athanasius, and Cyril. These men shaped Christian theology, defended orthodoxy against heresies, and wrote commentaries on Scripture that we still read today.

Athanasius (296-373 AD), the great defender of Trinitarian orthodoxy, spent much of his life fighting the Arian heresy. His stand at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD helped establish the doctrine that Jesus is fully God, not a created being. The phrase "Athanasius contra mundum"—"Athanasius against the world"—describes how he stood alone for truth when nearly everyone else compromised.

[The Arab conquest - everything changes]

But in 641 AD, everything changed. Arab Muslim armies conquered Egypt, ending Byzantine Christian rule. At first, the new Muslim rulers were relatively tolerant—Christians were allowed to practice their faith as "dhimmis" (protected but second-class citizens) if they paid the jizya tax.

But over the centuries, pressure increased. Christians faced discrimination in employment, education, and legal matters. Converting to Islam brought social and economic advantages, so gradually the Christian population declined. Forced conversions occurred during periods of persecution. Churches were destroyed. By the 10th century, Arabic had replaced Coptic as the common language, even among Christians.

Despite this, the Coptic Church survived. But from being the majority religion of Egypt in 641 AD, Christians shrank to perhaps 10-15% of Egypt's population today—estimates range from 10-20 million Copts in a nation of 105 million.

[Modern persecution - the 20th and 21st centuries]

In modern times, Egyptian Christians have faced waves of severe persecution. Under Islamic extremism's rise in the late 20th century, attacks on Christians increased dramatically. Churches have been bombed. Christian villages attacked. Christian girls kidnapped, forced to convert to Islam, and married to Muslim men.

Some tragic examples: In 2011, a New Year's bombing at Saints Church in Alexandria killed 23 worshipers. In 2017, twin Palm Sunday bombings at churches in Tanta and Alexandria killed 47 and wounded over 100. That same year, ISIS militants attacked a bus carrying Coptic pilgrims, killing 29. In 2015, ISIS beheaded 21 Coptic Christians on a Libyan beach—their final words were "Lord Jesus Christ," and their martyrdom was captured on video that shocked the world.

Egyptian Christians face legal discrimination, difficulty building or repairing churches, barriers in education and employment, and social pressure. Yet they remain faithful. The Coptic Church has not abandoned Egypt, though hundreds of thousands have emigrated to escape persecution.

[Pope Shenouda III - a modern hero]

One of the greatest modern Coptic leaders was Pope Shenouda III (1923-2012), who served as Pope of Alexandria from 1971 to 2012. He strengthened the Coptic Church during incredibly difficult times, established churches for the Coptic diaspora worldwide, and boldly stood for his people's rights while calling them to forgiveness and faith.

When President Anwar Sadat tried to intimidate the church, Shenouda refused to back down and was exiled to a desert monastery for three years. His courage and spiritual depth made him beloved by Copts worldwide. At his funeral in 2012, hundreds of thousands gathered—a testimony to his impact.

[The church today - suffering yet faithful]

Today, the Coptic Church continues under Pope Tawadros II. Egyptian Christians still face persecution—church bombings still happen, discrimination continues, and extremists still attack Christian communities. Yet the church remains vibrant. Coptic monasteries in the desert still house monks devoted to prayer. Coptic liturgy, largely unchanged for centuries, still uses ancient Coptic alongside Arabic. Young Copts are rediscovering their faith and standing firm despite pressure.

The Coptic Church also has a missions vision. Coptic missionaries serve in other African nations, and the Coptic diaspora has established churches in North America, Europe, and Australia, bringing the ancient liturgy and spirituality of Egyptian Christianity to new lands.

[Lessons from Egypt - what we can learn]

So what can we learn from the Egyptian church's story? First, God's plans are bigger than we imagine. Who would have thought that Egypt—the land of Israel's slavery, the land from which God called His son—would become home to one of Christianity's strongest early churches? God had been preparing Egypt for the Gospel since the Holy Family fled there.

Second, faithfulness under persecution produces deep spirituality. The Egyptian Christians who endured 1,400 years of Islamic rule, discrimination, and periodic violence developed a profound faith. Their liturgy, their monasticism, their commitment to Christ despite the cost—these aren't shallow. This is faith forged in fire.

Third, ancient churches are still relevant. The Coptic Church traces its founding to Mark the Evangelist—they've been worshiping Jesus for nearly 2,000 years! We need their witness, their endurance, their connection to the early church. Western Christians can learn much from our ancient Egyptian brothers and sisters.

And fourth, the church Jesus founded will never be destroyed. For 2,000 years, enemies have tried to wipe out Egyptian Christianity. Yet it survives. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The Coptic Church is living proof of that promise.

[The greater exodus - back to Ferguson]

But let's return to where we started—with Sinclair Ferguson's reflections on Jesus being called out of Egypt. Jesus didn't go to Egypt just to find safety. He went to fulfill a pattern, to show that He is the true Israel, the true Son of God, who would accomplish the ultimate exodus.

And what is that ultimate exodus? It's deliverance from sin, from Satan, from death itself. Jesus accomplished that exodus through His death and resurrection in Jerusalem. And everyone who trusts in Him participates in that exodus—we are delivered from bondage to sin, we pass through the waters of baptism, we journey through the wilderness of this world, and we're heading toward the promised land of eternal life with God.

Ferguson writes: "Everywhere we look into this story, we discover that it is all about salvation. That is its central message. That is the Christmas message. And it is our greatest need. If only we would see it!"

[Personal application - our need for the greater exodus]

This Christmas, don't just celebrate a baby in a manger. Celebrate the greater exodus that baby came to accomplish! Celebrate that Jesus went to Egypt so He could be called out of Egypt, fulfilling prophecy. Celebrate that He lived the life we couldn't live and died the death we deserved. Celebrate that He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Celebrate that through Him, we can be delivered from every spiritual bondage!

And pray for the Egyptian church—our brothers and sisters who still live in the land where Jesus found refuge as a child. Pray for their protection from persecution. Pray for their witness in a Muslim-majority nation. Pray for revival in Egypt. And support ministries that help persecuted Copts.

Thank you for joining me today. This reflection is based on Sinclair Ferguson's wonderful book "The Dawn of Redeeming Grace," and I encourage you to read it for deeper insights into the Christmas story.

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations and celebrate the greater exodus Jesus accomplished!

Spotify podcast

The Hidden Catechism: The Christian Meaning Behind "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. As we celebrate this Christmas season, I want to share something with you that might change the way you hear one of the most famous Christmas carols of all time.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas"—you know it. Partridge in a pear tree, turtle doves, French hens, golden rings. But did you know that for centuries, Christians have used this song as a teaching tool to help children memorize core doctrines of the faith?

Now, let me be clear upfront. Historically, this song began as a secular memory-and-forfeit game—kind of like a musical version of "I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing..." But over time, Christians recognized that each of these twelve gifts could represent something profound about our faith.

And whether or not this was originally intended as a secret code during persecution—which is a popular claim but historically unproven—the symbolism became a beloved way to teach children the essentials of Christianity in a playful, easy-to-recall format.

So today, I want to walk through each of the twelve gifts and show you the Christian meaning that has been traditionally associated with them.

Let's start with day one: "A Partridge in a Pear Tree."

This represents Jesus Christ Himself.

Now, you might be thinking, "A bird? How does that represent Jesus?" Here's the beautiful connection: The partridge was believed to be a bird willing to sacrifice its life to protect its young. When danger approached, the mother partridge would draw predators away from her chicks, even at the cost of her own life.

This is symbolic of Christ's sacrificial love on the cross. Jesus laid down His life to protect us, to save us, to draw the wrath of God away from us and onto Himself.

John 10:11 says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

The partridge in the pear tree is Christ—the foundation of everything else in the song, just as Christ is the foundation of our faith.

Day two: "Two Turtle Doves."

These symbolize the Old and New Testaments—God's covenantal revelation to His people.

Just as a pair of doves are joined together, the Old and New Testaments are inseparable. The Old Testament points forward to Christ. The New Testament reveals Christ. Together, they give us the complete story of God's redemption.

Luke 24:27 tells us that Jesus, on the road to Emmaus, "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

The two turtle doves remind us that all of Scripture testifies to Jesus.

Day three: "Three French Hens."

These represent the three theological virtues that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13:13: Faith, Hope, and Love.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

These aren't just nice ideas—these are the foundation of the Christian life. We live by faith in Christ, we hope in His promises, and we love because He first loved us.

The three French hens teach our children that these virtues are essential, permanent, and beautiful.

Day four: "Four Calling Birds."

These represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The four calling birds—the four Gospel writers who call the world to Christ.

Each Gospel presents Jesus from a different angle. Matthew shows Him as King. Mark shows Him as Servant. Luke shows Him as the perfect Man. John shows Him as God.

Together, they give us a complete portrait of our Savior. And they're still calling today—calling people to repentance, calling people to faith, calling people to follow Jesus.

Day five: "Five Golden Rings."

This is probably the most recognizable line in the whole song, right? Everyone loves to belt out "FIVE GOLDEN RINGS!"

But what do they represent? The first five books of the Old Testament—the Pentateuch.

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

These books lay the foundation of God's story: creation, fall, covenant, and redemption. They teach us who God is, who we are, how sin entered the world, and how God began His plan to rescue humanity.

Golden rings are precious, valuable, foundational—just like these five books of Moses.

Day six: "Six Geese A-Laying."

These symbolize the six days of creation in Genesis 1.

God created the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh day He rested. The geese laying eggs represent the creative work of God—bringing forth life, establishing order, filling the earth with His glory.

Genesis 1:1 says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Everything we see, everything we enjoy, everything that exists came from the creative hand of God. The six geese remind us that we live in a created world, made by a loving Creator.

Day seven: "Seven Swans A-Swimming."

These represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, as traditionally listed in Isaiah 11:2-3.

Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

These are the gifts that the Spirit gives to believers to equip us for life and ministry. We need wisdom to make good decisions. We need understanding to grasp spiritual truth. We need counsel to guide others. We need fortitude to endure trials.

The seven swans swimming gracefully remind us that the Holy Spirit moves in our lives, empowering us, equipping us, transforming us.

Day eight: "Eight Maids A-Milking."

These symbolize the Eight Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:3-10.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit... Blessed are those who mourn... Blessed are the meek..." and so on.

The Beatitudes turn the world's values upside down. They tell us that God blesses the humble, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers.

The eight maids working faithfully represent believers living out these kingdom values—working, serving, embodying the character that Jesus described.

Day nine: "Nine Ladies Dancing."

These represent the nine fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

When the Holy Spirit lives in us, He produces this fruit. Not through our effort, not through our striving, but through His presence and power in our lives.

The nine ladies dancing represent the joy and beauty that comes when the Spirit is working in us—when our lives display His character.

Day ten: "Ten Lords A-Leaping."

These represent the Ten Commandments.

The moral law that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. The foundation of how we're to love God and love our neighbor.

The ten lords leaping might seem like an odd image, but it reminds us that God's law is not burdensome—it's liberating. When we live according to God's design, we experience freedom and joy.

Psalm 19:8 says, "The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."

Day eleven: "Eleven Pipers Piping."

These represent the eleven faithful apostles—the original twelve minus Judas, who betrayed Jesus.

After Judas' betrayal and death, eleven remained faithful. They were the ones who saw the risen Christ, who received the Great Commission, who went out and turned the world upside down with the Gospel.

The eleven pipers piping represent the sound of the Gospel going forth—the faithful witnesses proclaiming that Jesus is Lord.

Day twelve: "Twelve Drummers Drumming."

These refer to the Twelve Points of Doctrine in the Apostles' Creed.

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth..."

The Apostles' Creed is one of the oldest and most widely used summaries of Christian belief. It covers creation, incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, the church, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.

The twelve drummers drumming represent the steady, rhythmic proclamation of these foundational truths—truths that have sustained the church for two thousand years.

Now, friends, here's why this symbolism emerged and why it matters.

First, it gave children a simple memory framework. Kids could sing the song and, verse by verse, recall essential Christian doctrines.

Second, it aligned the twelve gifts with the Twelve Days of Christmas—the liturgical period from December 25th to January 6th, Epiphany. In case you are not familiar with Epiphany…it is a Christian feast day commemorating the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world, primarily marking the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. It is also associated with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, which revealed his divine identity as the Son of God, and the miracle at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle.

Third, this symbolism in the song reinforced key doctrines in a playful, easy-to-recall format. Instead of dry catechism lessons, children learned through song, through story, through imagery.

What I love about this is that it reminds us that Christians throughout history have been creative in passing down the faith.

We haven't just relied on formal education or boring lectures. We've used songs, stories, symbols, and celebrations to teach our children who God is and what He's done.

In an age when biblical literacy is declining, when fewer and fewer people know the basics of Scripture, maybe we need to recover this kind of creative catechesis.

So this Christmas, when you hear "The Twelve Days of Christmas," don't just think about partridges and pear trees. Think about Jesus. Think about Scripture. Think about the virtues, the Gospels, the commandments.

Teach your children. Sing with them. Help them see that every part of this song can point them to Christ.

And remember—Christmas is not just one day. It's twelve days. It's a season of celebrating the incarnation, the birth of our Savior, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope this has given you a fresh appreciation for a song you've heard a thousand times.

Let me pray…

Until next time, keep your eyes on the nations, teach your children well, and remember—even a simple Christmas carol can proclaim the depths of our faith.

Spotify podcast

In a Moment: When God Became a Man

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to share something with you that captures the breathtaking wonder of Christmas better than almost anything I've ever read. It comes from Max Lucado's book "God Came Near," and it's called "In the Manger." As Max Lucado reflects on the incarnation—God becoming man—he helps us see the familiar Christmas story with fresh eyes and hearts full of awe.

Let me read this to you, and I pray it stirs your soul the way it does mine every time I encounter it.

[Setting the scene]

"It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. As moments go, that one appeared no different than any other. It came and it went. It was one of the countless moments that have marked time since eternity became measurable.

But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened itself and placed its most precious one in a human womb."

Stop right there and think about that. God became a man. The Creator entered His creation. The Eternal stepped into time. This isn't just a nice story—this is the most spectacular thing that has ever happened in all of history!

[The paradox]

Max Lucado continues: "The Omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And He who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.

God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.

God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother."

[The scandal of particularity]

Do you hear what he's saying? God—the God who spoke galaxies into existence, who holds every atom together by the word of His power—became an embryo! He who created DNA now had DNA. He who designed the human body now inhabited one. He who formed Adam from the dust now grew from a single fertilized cell in Mary's womb.

This is what theologians call the "scandal of particularity." God didn't just appear to be human. He didn't just take on the appearance of flesh. He actually became human—completely, fully human. Max Lucado writes, "God had come near."

[The humble arrival]

Listen to how he describes His arrival: "He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts.

Angels watched as Mary changed God's diaper. The universe watched with wonder as The Almighty learned to walk. Children played in the street with him. And had the synagogue leader in Nazareth known who was listening to his sermons…"

[The humility of it all]

Angels watched as Mary changed God's diaper! Think about that image. The angels who constantly cry "Holy, holy, holy!" before God's throne watched as this same God—now an infant—needed His diaper changed. The Almighty learned to walk! He who holds the universe together had to learn how to put one foot in front of the other.

This is the humility of Christmas. God could have come as a conquering king with armies of angels. Instead, He came as a helpless baby whose first bed was a feeding trough and whose first visitors were smelly shepherds. Just God, entering the mess of human existence in the most humble way imaginable.

[Fully human]

Max Lucado then writes something that might make us uncomfortable, but it's essential that we hear it: "Jesus may have had pimples. He may have been tone-deaf. Perhaps a girl down the street had a crush on him or vice versa. It could be that his knees were bony. One thing's for sure: He was, while completely divine, completely human.

For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He got colds and had body odor. His feelings got hurt. His feet got tired. And his head ached."

[Why this matters - Jesus understands]

Now, some of you might be thinking, "Wait—should we really be talking about Jesus having body odor or getting pimples? Isn't that irreverent?" But listen to what Max Lucado says next: "To think of Jesus in such a light is—well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn't it? It's not something we like to do; it's uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. There is something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, packaged, predictable.

But don't do it. For heaven's sake, don't. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out."

This is crucial! If Jesus wasn't fully human—if He didn't actually experience everything we experience—then He can't truly understand us or help us. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."

Jesus knows what it's like to be tired. He knows what it's like to be hungry. He knows what it's like to have His feelings hurt, to grieve, to be betrayed by friends, to be rejected, to feel pain. He entered fully into our human experience so that He could be the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

[Listen to Him]

Max Lucado then shows us why Jesus's humanity matters for His teaching: "Listen to him. 'Love your neighbor' was spoken by a man whose neighbors tried to kill him. The challenge to leave family for the gospel was issued by one who kissed his mother goodbye in the doorway. 'Pray for those who persecute you' came from the lips that would soon be begging God to forgive his murderers. 'I am with you always' are the words of a God who in one instant did the impossible to make it all possible for you and me."

[The first moment of transformation]

Max Lucado concludes with this: "It all happened in a moment. In one moment…a most remarkable moment. The Word became flesh."

John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

In one moment—one spectacular, earth-shattering, history-dividing moment—God became man. The eternal Word who existed before time began took on human flesh. And the world would never be the same.

[The second moment - what's coming]

But then Max Lucado reminds us of something we often forget: "There will be another. The world will see another instantaneous transformation. You see, in becoming man, God made it possible for man to see God. When Jesus went home he left the back door open. As a result, 'we will all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.' (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)"

Just as Jesus was transformed from divine to human in a moment, we who believe in Him will be transformed from mortal to immortal in a moment! The first moment of transformation—the incarnation—went largely unnoticed by the world. A peasant girl, a carpenter, some shepherds, a myriad of angels and wise men from the East—that was about it. The world slept through the most important moment in history.

[The contrast between the two moments]

But as Lucado writes: "The first moment of transformation went unnoticed by the world. But you can bet your sweet September that the second one won't. The next time you use the phrase 'just a moment,' …remember that's all the time it will take to change this world."

When Jesus returns, it won't be as a baby in a manger that the world can ignore. It will be unmistakable, undeniable, spectacular! Every eye will see Him. Every knee will bow. The transformation that happens to believers—from corruptible to incorruptible, from mortal to immortal—will happen in the twinkling of an eye.

First Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes it: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

[Two remarkable moments - Christmas and the return]

So we celebrate two remarkable moments: the moment when God became man at Christmas, and the coming moment when we who are in Christ will be transformed to be like Him. The first moment made the second moment possible. Because Jesus entered our humanity, we can enter His glory!

[Personal application - what this means for us]

This Christmas, I want you to really ponder the incarnation—God becoming man. Don't just rush past it with familiar carols and pretty nativity scenes. Stop and think about what actually happened. The God who created you decided to become like you. The God who needs nothing became needy. The God who owns everything owned nothing. The God who cannot be contained allowed Himself to be confined in a womb.

Why? Because He loves you. Because the only way to save us was to become one of us. Because He wanted to show us what God is like in terms we could understand—in human form. Because He wanted to pay the penalty for our sins, and only a human could do that. Because He wanted to sympathize with our weaknesses, and only by experiencing them could He do that.

This Christmas, don't keep Jesus distant. Don't keep Him packaged and predictable. Let Him be as human as He intended to be. Let Him into the mire and muck of your world—your struggles, your pain, your weaknesses, your temptations. Because only if you let Him in can He pull you out.

And remember: the same God who entered time in a moment will return in a moment. Are you ready? Have you placed your faith in the baby who became the Savior? Have you trusted in the God who came near so that you could come near to God?

Thank you for joining me today. I'm so grateful to Max Lucado for these powerful reflections from his book "God Came Near" and the essay "In the Manger." If you've never read his Christmas writings, I highly recommend them—they'll deepen your appreciation for the incarnation in ways you never imagined.

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations and worship the God who came near!

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