Ripe for Harvest

264 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

5. As to Spiritual Formation: As we await the One who is coming, let us proclaim and affirm our sure and certain hope of deliverance.

B. Christmas: the Word made flesh

1. Biblical framework : In the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord God has come into the world; he is Immanuel, “God with us,” Isa. 7.14.

2. Exemplar Scripture references

a. Immanuel, Matt. 1.20-23

b. The Word made flesh, John 1.14-18

c. The humility of the Son, Phil. 2.6-8

3. Its meaning in Jesus’ history : In the Incarnation, God has come to us. Jesus of Nazareth reveals to humankind the Father’s glory in fullness, for the fullness of God dwelt in him, Col. 2.8-10. 4. The season of the Church Year : Christmas, the Birth of Christ. Christmas celebrates the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, the Word made flesh. He enters the world to reveal the Father’s love to humankind, to destroy the devil’s work, and to redeem his people from their sins. 5. As to spiritual formation : O, Word made flesh, revealer of God come to us, help us to prepare our hearts for you to dwell within them.

C. Epiphany: the Son of Man

1. Biblical framework : As the promised King and divine Son of Man, Jesus reveals the Father’s glory and salvation to the world.

Context Values/Vision

2. Exemplar Scripture references

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter

a. A Star out of Jacob, Num. 24.17

b. The King of the Jews, Matt. 2.2-6