I might have recited the Nicene Creed over a thousand times. So it was somewhat surprising a few weeks ago when I noticed something new (well, new to me at least).
The Creed tells us that the Incarnation is “for us and for our salvation”. Two reasons. God came down from heaven, yes, for our salvation, that is, for the making right of all that separates us from God. We’ll come face to face with the cost and reality of that in Holy Week.
But, for now, in this season of Christmas, the Creed teaches us that there’s more even than that.
God comes to dwell with us, not first and foremost to do something, not because we’ve done something wrong and the superhero parent has to fix it; but simply for us, just to rejoice in our company, as the persons of the Trinity delight in each other.
Perhaps, though, it’s two sides of the same coin. The Fall speaks of relationship destroyed, and how we came to regard each other as objects of gratification, blame and enmity. But the Incarnation shows us that there is a more excellent way. For us, God has cast aside his glory, and breathes the divine life into our human nature. For us, he unites rich and poor, kings and shepherds, Israel and all nations, summoned to his cradle. For us, he begins his life in the stable at Bethlehem just as he will end it on the Cross for our salvation: clothed with nothing but his love for us.
So come to the manger; come and see God, born for us and for our salvation. For me; for you; for us.
Happy Christmas.
Chris Braganza
