092 | What is The Incarnation?

For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this Anchor Group study with you.

⌘ Space to Belong | 5-10 minutes

Connect with one another with an ice-breaker.

🎄 What’s your favorite part about the Christmas story, and why does it resonate with you?

⌘ Space to Believe | 10-15 minutes

Read and reflect on the scripture.

John 1:9–14 (NIV) 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

What stands out to you? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?

Other Scriptures referenced in message: John 1:14; Isaiah 6; Colossians 1:19-20; John 14:6

⌘ Space to Become | 10-15 minutes

A. Familiarize yourself with the sermon.

In this message, Christian Braly reflects on the significance of the Incarnation—the mystery of God becoming flesh in Jesus. The Incarnation reveals God’s profound love, justice, and mercy, bridging the gap caused by humanity’s sin and brokenness. It’s through Jesus that the invisible God is made visible, offering restoration, healing, and divine purpose to a world marred by sin. This message invites us to embrace the truth of who we are as image-bearers of God, to walk in the light of His redeeming grace, and to extend His love by living incarnationally—bringing His presence into the spaces we inhabit.

(See the bottom of this note for a full sermon outline).

B. Discuss one or more of the following questions.

When you think about the Incarnation—the Word becoming flesh—what stands out to you most? Why?
- Christian shared that the Incarnation reveals God’s active love for a broken humanity.
- How does the idea that God Himself entered our world, fully human and fully divine, impact your understanding of His love and nearness?
Why is it important to acknowledge the depth of humanity’s brokenness in understanding the Incarnation?
- Christian referenced the ways we justify sin or minimize its impact, comparing us to Isaiah’s recognition of his unworthiness before a holy God (Isaiah 6).
- How does recognizing humanity’s need for a Savior drive your gratitude for what Jesus did? In what ways do you try to “fix” things on your own rather than rely on God’s grace?
In what ways do justice and mercy come together in the Incarnation?
- Christian emphasized that only God could overcome sin, but only a human could atone for it. Through the Incarnation, Jesus fulfilled both divine justice and mercy.
- Are there relationships or situations where you find it hard to balance justice and mercy? How does Jesus’s example challenge or guide you in those moments?
What does it mean for you to "live incarnationally" as a reflection of Jesus in the world?
- Christian reminded us we are the body of Christ, called to embody His love and presence in a hurting world.
- In what practical ways can you embody God’s love, light, and restoration in your community this holiday season?
How does God’s invitation to transformation challenge you personally?
- The Incarnation is not just about forgiveness; it’s about transformation and becoming more like Christ (Colossians 1:19-20).
- Are there areas in your life where you resist God’s transforming work? How can you invite Him to shape you into His likeness this week?