This sermon explores why the Savior had to become fully human. Humanity was created to represent God and rule His creation, but sin entered through Adam and separated all people from God. Because God is perfectly just and holy, sin could not be ignored. Yet because He is gracious and merciful, He made a way to save sinners without compromising His character. Jesus became human so He could uphold God’s justice while extending mercy through a substitutionary sacrifice. As a sinless man, Christ alone could pay the penalty for human sin. By sharing in our flesh and blood, Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan, freed us from fear, and made atonement for our sins. The cradle of Christmas ultimately points to the cross—and to our redemption.

This sermon calls us to rediscover the wonder of Jesus by returning to John 1, one of the clearest declarations of who He truly is. While the world holds many opinions about Jesus—teacher, prophet, historical figure—Scripture presses the ultimate question: “Who do you say that I am?” John answers by revealing Jesus as the eternal Word of God, fully God and fully man, existing with the Father before creation. Through Him all things were made, and He is the source of both life and light for humanity. The eternal Word became flesh so we could know God personally, be rescued from sin and spiritual darkness, and receive true, abundant life. Christmas invites us to respond with faith, awe, and worship.