How could the full glory of God be contained in one human cell–the very DNA of God shrunk down into the smallest microcosm of His own creation?
That is the Incarnation.
It makes me think of the scene from Aladdin where the genie fills his new master in on what he holds in his hand. He exclaims, “Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty bitty living space!” Then he proceeds to morph from larger than life to sucked down into a cloud of blue with huge eyeballs peering out of the lid of the lamp.
Of course, all illustrations fall short in fully expressing what it means that the Lord of the Universe concentrated all of His immense Self down into that one cell. But just like each one of us, that cell divided and multiplied. Organs were formed, facial features were shaped. Personality was determined. Hair color, eye color, all the signifiers that identify us as unique individuals—those were formed in Jesus Christ as He developed in Mary’s womb. All those identifying details were unique to Him so that He looked similar to any other man in Judea at the time.
As staggering as this all is, I marvel even more at this: that God has put Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), and not just the hope of glory, but glory Himself. He left us His Spirit to live in us – all of that immense power in these tiny, finite spaces of bodies with souls and names. Our unique personhood carries His profound power.
If that doesn’t humble us, nothing will; but it’s easy, especially in the rush and bustle of this holiday season to forget to stop and take time to ponder the richness of this truth.
When you’re too weary to get out of bed, remember: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
When you’re weighted down with the burden of a loved one’s poor choices, remember: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
When you’ve been diagnosed with chronic pain and each step is an effort, remember: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
When you feel pressed on every side by the needs of the church, remember: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
When your spouse is burned out from caring for the needs of your people with little left emotionally for you and the kids, remember: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
No matter your weakness or struggle or trial in this holiday season, nothing can change the glory of this truth.
I love how Dane Ortlund expresses this marvelous wonder that God has humbled Himself to encase His glory in us, His weak and failing creatures.
Ponder this:
“Who we are—weak, faltering, mixed-motive we—to be filled with the very fullness of God Himself? How can the clay be filled with the fullness of the Potter, the plant with the fullness of the gardener, the house with the architect? What breathtaking condescension, what astounding dignifying of us.”
Sister, this is your tremendous, unfathomable value to your Father God! Not only did He condescend to become one with His creation and lodge His glory in a squalling infant in a stable, He also lives in you.
Carry that truth with you this season, and you’ll be carried above and through all that weighs you down.
He will buoy you up with His Love until the glory bursts out in praise with the angels who announced His birth: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14).
He is pleased with you because you carry the image and glory of the incarnate Savior.
Now that is a reason to celebrate this season.
Reference: Ortlund, Dane. Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners. Pg 74 Crossway, 2021.