God became man

In his book, On the Incarnation, Saint Athanasius famously wrote, “God became man so that man might become God.” Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the Christmas narrative is that God humbled himself to become one of us, elevating humanity through his presence and love.

Our performance-driven society often struggles to grasp the heart of the Gospel. We tend to admire stories of achieved greatness, but Christmas tells us something deeper: that God became like us, not for glory, but to show us how to be truly human. Christ entered our world not only to save us but to reveal what it means to live in love.

Christ performed many miracles in the Gospels, but perhaps the most astounding aspect of his life is that he consistently chose love, even in situations where a less glorious reaction would have been understandable. This is the beauty of the Incarnation: Christ became man not only to reveal true love but also to demonstrate how to love. As Love incarnate, Christ embodied love so that we, too, might become love.

Therefore, the call of Christmas is to embody Christ’s very nature: Love—love to the end. When we love others at the expense of ourselves, we discover the true meaning of humanity and learn to see Christ in all things.

How then shall we live?

In our tech-obsessed culture, intentional presence may be the most incarnational way to show love. We are called to lay aside our phones and devices and rediscover presence by sharing a cup of tea with our partner, reading to our children, taking a family walk, or simply delighting in the present moment. These examples demonstrate to those around us that we see and care for them. Incarnation is about being embodied, and presence is the greatest gift we can offer. By putting aside our gnostic tech and ceasing to view the world through invisible code, we reclaim our humanity and help others restore their own. Jesus revealed this profound message as an infant, reminding us that God sees us as we are—human—not as what we will become. He sees us and is with us in both the highs and lows of existence, showing us how to truly live and embody love in all situations. From nursing at his mother’s breast to healing the sick, Christ embodied presence, and our world desperately needs people who embody the presence of Christ, not just for a day or a season, but in life.

During this season of Christmastide, let us strive to embody the Christ-like love of the Incarnation to all people. May we savor this time, delighting in His presence everywhere we go. For Christians, Christmas is more than a day or a season; it is a way of life—a call to be perpetually renewed by Christ’s love and to share that love with the world.

Collect for Christmas:

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.