And the Word Became Flesh

“and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14)

The Good-news of the Birth of Christ are always very joyful and cheerful,  "…I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Balaam the Babylonian prophet was called to curse Israel, but when he saw His Star shining cheerfully among the moving flocks of Israel, in their way to the promised land, he uttered,“I see Him,but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel...” (Num 24:17).  Thus he blessed Israel instead of cursing them.

Many prophets foresaw the incarnation of the Lord, but Isaiah is the only one who saw Him as Immanuel, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14). Further, he explains, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6). Since then, Isaiah has seen Him a Mighty God.

The experience of personal encounter with Christ is a great motivation for witnessing to the Lord’s goodness, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps 34:8). On Matthew’s encounter with Him, “he left all, rose up, and followed Him” (Lu 5:28). For Matthew, Jesus is Immanuel, “which is translated, "God with us" (1:23). He is with us, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (18:20). And, He shall be with us always “…even to the end of the age. Amen” (Mt 28:20).

For Mark, Jesus is  “The Son of God,” through Him the power of salvation has been revealed (1:1, 3:11, 5:7, 15:39). Jesus declared the glory of God, manifested in the flesh, in His authority to forgive sins.        

Luke, who presents Mary’s magnificent experience, sees Christ as the shining down from on high, who “has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death” (Lu 1:78 & 79). Through the tender mercy of our God, Christ has come from His highest, to take our fallen humanity, which He has received from Mary, to raise it and seat it in heaven.

John informs us of his marvelous experience of the mystery of fellowship, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life, the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us, that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 Jn. 1: 1-4)

In Paul’s experience, incarnation is the mystery of godliness:“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.” (1Ti 3:16)          F.Y.

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IN THIS ISSUE

The English Section: The first article “Why did God become man?” is by Rev. Dr. George Dion. Dragas. The Answeris based on St. Athanasius’ writings, in particular, “On the Incarnation”.

In the second article we continue to publish “Heavenly Banquet & The Table of the Messiah In the O.T. (2)”by Rodolph Yanney, MD. 

The Third article is “The Massorah” by A. B. Hanna, P.E.He explains this feature of the Hebrew Bible, and its usefulness.

The Fourth article is “The Mystery of Job” by Youssef Badir,includes useful comments on “the Book of Job”,

 The Arabic Section: In the first Article we continue to publish “The Church & Israel: The Law In St. Mathew’s Gospel” by Fouad Youssef. The second article is, “Jesus In The Feast of Tabernacles” By Michale B. Abdel-Malek, Ph.D., is based on “St. Cyril Commentary on The Gospel of John”. The third article “The Coptic Lectionary, Introduction”, by Fouad Youssef.

We thank every person that offered help in publishing and distributing the magazine, asking the Lord to reward them with His heavenly blessings. Also, we ask for your continued prayers for the success of this work serving the “Word of Life.”