The Incarnation Continues

[My] labor pains for you… will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. — Galatians 4:19 NLT

And so you’ve celebrated Christmas, the coming of Jesus to this world. And what a thing to celebrate! The entire pageant comes down to this: Jesus took on a genuine humanity.

And of course, this late in the Story, I hope it’s nearly impossible for you to celebrate Christmas without your heart turning toward His return. One day soon, Jesus will return to this earth, with His army, to make a final end of evil and to usher in the coming of a Golden Age. This is referred to as the “Second Coming.”

But what struck me this Christmas was this: the Second Coming is actually… the Third Coming. Christ came to Bethlehem. And then He comes to dwell in you. The Second Coming is actually in you — right now.

Christ was first formed in Mary’s womb; now He’s being formed in you. It’s a truth unique to Christianity and no other religion.

Christ in you, the hope of glory. — Colossians 1:27 NASB

Jesus made His first invasion into Bethlehem. His second great act of indwelling happens when you open your heart to Him.

Think of it — Jesus Christ is inside of you this very moment. The incarnation didn’t finish but continues… in you.

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I receive it, Lord! I receive Jesus Christ into every part of my life and my being! Yes, Lord — come and be formed in me today!

Excerpted with permission from Restoration Year: A 365-Day Devotional by John Eldredge, copyright John Eldredge.

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Your Turn

What part of your life do you feel Christ wants to transform today and in the coming year? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!