I recently saw a commercial from an auto repair shop in the U.K. The commercial shows families bringing their cars to the shop, and low and behold, there’s a sleigh having its routine maintenance done. Reindeer are waiting out back and a jolly gentleman with a map of the world sits in the waiting area. This gentleman magically knows the little kids’ names and has presents awaiting them in his bag. One little girl exclaims, “He knows my name!” The presents are handed out and a little lad says, “You got me all I ever wanted… thank you Santa!” Regardless of where you stand on all things Kris Kringle, the wonderment of these children grabs you.       

This Christmas season, I, too, find my mind and heart full of wonder again at the astounding truth of the incarnation:

“The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

The infant Jesus is born of the virgin Mary; he is fully God and fully man. On one hand, it’s so simple that a child can understand it, and yet, it is also so above and beyond my ability to comprehend that I’m left echoing the words of the psalmist who, in speaking of God’s nature, says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6).  Each year I find this reality new and incredible – it never bores – it is the greatest, the best, the sweetest truth. God became frail flesh so that “God and sinners reconciled” might be possible. What a wonder-filled thing that we will never exhaust the beauty of Christ come to earth. A Savior has come who knows your name, and he himself is all that you ever needed.

I hope that this season leaves you again in wonder and joy, and that the truth of the gospel is yours this season. On behalf of all the Insider team here at Parkside, a very Merry Christmas to you!

Warmly,
Pastor Jonathan Cameron

P.S. if you’d like to watch that commercial for yourself you can do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nZVhn_MrPg

Looking for a friend to help remind you of the beauty of the incarnation? We highly recommend Sinclair Ferguson’s Child in the Manger. You can pick up a copy at Books by the Park.