Episode 10: Conceived by the Holy Spirit | We Believe: A Study of the Apostles Creed
Understanding the Incarnation: The Creed and Its Historical Significance
When we recite the Apostles' Creed, we affirm some of the most foundational truths of our faith, one of which is the statement that Jesus "was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary." But what does this mean, and why is it so crucial to the Christian faith? In this post, we’ll explore the significance of these words, particularly focusing on the incarnation of Jesus, and how it roots our faith in history and reality.
The Supernatural Birth
The conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit and His birth from the Virgin Mary is, undoubtedly, a miraculous event. Imagine it through the lens of a modern news story—this would be the ultimate headline. The announcement of a virgin birth would send shockwaves through society. It's something almost too extraordinary to grasp. Yet, this foundational truth is a critical part of the gospel we believe in.
This idea isn't just about a magical event but about God's intervention in the world in a deeply personal and real way. As we reflect on this during Christmas and sing hymns like "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" or "Silent Night," we often skip over the profound meaning of these words. The conception of Jesus marks a pivotal moment in history, a moment where God enters the world in the most humble and human way possible.
A Concrete Faith Rooted in History
Christianity is not just a set of abstract beliefs; it's deeply rooted in history. Jesus’ birth, the specific time He was born, the family He was born into—these are not vague myths or symbolic stories, but historical facts. The genealogies in Matthew and Luke's gospels, tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham and Adam, are not only theological statements; they are invitations to verify the reality of Jesus’ existence. These names and locations are traceable, and they tell us that Jesus' story happened in the real world, in real time.
This rootedness in history is something that sets Christianity apart from many other belief systems. It's one thing to believe in events that happened hundreds of years ago, like Pearl Harbor or the Declaration of Independence. We weren’t there, but we trust the evidence. The same principle applies to the life of Jesus. We believe in Him because we can trace His lineage, check the locations mentioned in the Bible, and even refer to manuscripts from just a few decades after His life, like the Gospel of John’s fragment, which is dated within 30 years of His death.
The Deep Significance of the Incarnation
The doctrine of the Incarnation—that God became flesh—is not just a theological concept but a profound reality with immense implications for our salvation. The fact that Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary and grew through every stage of human development speaks to God's deep identification with our humanity. Jesus didn’t just show up as a man at 30 years old. He lived life from the very beginning, from the moment of conception. This makes His life and His death all the more meaningful for us. He understands every aspect of our human experience.
It’s easy to focus on the cross as the ultimate moment of salvation, and rightly so. But we should not forget the significance of the Incarnation. Jesus’ birth, His conception, the entirety of His human life—this was all part of God's redemptive plan for us. As the writer of Hebrews points out, Jesus was "made like us in every way" to become our merciful high priest. He knows what it’s like to be human—He lived through every moment we face, from conception to death.
Bringing It to Life: Teaching the Creed in Our Home
One of the ways we can grasp the weight of these truths is by teaching them to the next generation. In our home, we try to make conversations about the Apostles' Creed meaningful and sacred. For example, when we talked with our kids about the "birds and bees," we made sure the conversation was done with reverence, highlighting the holy nature of God's creation. As we explained Jesus' miraculous conception, the realization dawned on our children: this is how Jesus came into the world. The very Son of God began His earthly journey as an embryo—something many of us don’t often think about when reflecting on Christmas.
It was amazing to see the light bulb go off in their minds. Understanding how Jesus came into the world in such a unique way made them think deeply about the significance of Christmas and the Apostles' Creed. We want our children to understand that these are not just abstract doctrines—they are historical truths with eternal consequences.
Conclusion: A Faith that Knows the Way
Jesus' life, from His conception to His death and resurrection, shows us that we are not following a leader who is distant or detached from our struggles. He has walked the road ahead of us, and He knows the way. This is why the Incarnation matters so much. It’s not just a theological concept; it’s the heart of our faith, offering us hope that Jesus understands our human experience and has walked through it with us. As we reflect on His birth, may we remember that He is our Savior, not just in His death, but from the very moment of His conception.Understanding the Incarnation: The Creed and Its Historical Significance
When we recite the Apostles' Creed, we affirm some of the most foundational truths of our faith, one of which is the statement that Jesus "was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary." But what does this mean, and why is it so crucial to the Christian faith? In this post, we’ll explore the significance of these words, particularly focusing on the incarnation of Jesus, and how it roots our faith in history and reality.
