As the Day Begins
The Christian confession does not begin with humanity’s search for God but with God’s gracious descent toward us. Paul captures this astonishing truth when he writes of Israel’s heritage and declares of Christ, “from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever” (Romans 9:5, italics added). In that single line, the apostle holds together what the early church fiercely protected: the full humanity of Jesus “according to the flesh” and His full divinity as “God over all.” Christianity stands or falls on this claim. As Charles Spurgeon rightly observed, if Jesus is merely another prophet, His birth may be interesting but it is not redeeming. Only if God Himself has entered our condition can humanity be rescued from its estrangement. The incarnation is not a poetic idea; it is the decisive act of divine condescension.
This truth finds pastoral warmth in Paul’s words to the Ephesians: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14, italics added). The Greek phrase autos gar estin hē eirēnē hēmōn emphasizes that peace is not merely something Jesus gives but something He is. By assuming our humanity, God did not shout reconciliation from a distance; He carried it in His own body. The eternal Son crossed the immeasurable distance between Creator and creature, Jew and Gentile, heaven and earth. In Jesus, God did not send a representative alone; He came Himself. The incarnation becomes the bridge upon which alienated humanity may walk back toward God, not in fear, but in confidence.
Spurgeon’s words echo this wonder with pastoral clarity: “Tell me that God is born… then the bells of my heart ring merry peals, for now may I come to God since God has come to me.” This is the daily comfort of faith. We do not wake each morning trying to climb toward a reluctant God. We awaken to the truth that God has already drawn near, already entered our frailty, already united Himself to our humanity. The doctrine of union with Christ is not abstract theology; it is lived assurance. Because Jesus is both fully God and fully human, our prayers are not sent into silence. They are received by One who knows hunger, weariness, sorrow, and joy, and who reigns even now as “God over all, blessed forever.” As the day begins, this truth steadies the heart and anchors the soul in grace.
Triune Prayer
Heavenly Father, I begin this day grateful that You are not distant or indifferent, but a God who draws near in mercy. You did not wait for me to find my way back to You; You took the first step, moved by love, not obligation. As I move through this day, help me to live with the quiet confidence that You have already welcomed me in Christ. Shape my thoughts, temper my reactions, and order my steps so that my life reflects gratitude rather than striving. I trust Your wisdom over my anxieties and Your purposes over my plans.
Jesus the Son, I thank You for taking on flesh and entering fully into the human story. You know my weakness because You shared it, yet You overcame sin and death through obedience and love. As I face conversations, decisions, and uncertainties today, remind me that You are not only my Savior but my peace. Teach me to live from the reality of union with You, no longer divided within myself, no longer defined by fear, but rooted in Your finished work and living presence.
Holy Spirit, I welcome Your guidance and nearness this day. Make the truth of Christ’s incarnation alive within me, not merely as knowledge but as daily strength. When distractions pull at my attention or discouragement presses in, gently draw my heart back to what is true. Empower me to live attentively, to listen well, and to reflect the reconciling peace of Christ in every place You lead me.
Thought for the Day
Because God has come near to me in Jesus Christ, I can approach God today with confidence, gratitude, and peace.
Thank you for beginning your day in God’s presence.
For further reflection on the incarnation and the divinity of Christ, see this helpful article from The Gospel Coalition on why the incarnation matters for daily faith .
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