He is the Incarnation, He is the Resurrection!

He is the Incarnation, He is the Resurrection!

“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Lk 1: 26 - 27).  In answer to the prophet Isaiah;  “Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:  the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and name him Immanuel.”  (Is 7:  14).

“He has shown his might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.  He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.  The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.”  (Lk 1; 51 - 53).

“For unto us a child is born, a son is given  us; upon his shoulder dominion rests, They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father- Forever, Prince of Peace, His dominion is vast  and forever peaceful.  From David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”  (Is 9: 5-6).

“I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.  But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, “Where are you going?”  But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.  But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.  For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.  But if I do go, I will send him to you.  And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:  sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of the world has been condemned.”  (Jn 16: 4 - 11).  

“See my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.  Even as many were amazed at him so marred was his look beyond that of man, and his appearance beyond that of mortals so shall he startle many nations, because of him kings shall stand speechless; For those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it.”  (Is 52: 13 - 15).

“When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”  (Jn 19: 30).  

“Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.  Therefore I will give him his portion among the great , and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, Because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.”   (Is 53: 11 - 12).

“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.  So she ran and went  to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”  (Jn 20: 1 - 2).

“Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and as they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.  And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.”  (Lk 24: 13 - 16).  A little further down the road they asked him to join them in their house.  when he broke the bread they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.  (Lk 24: 29 - 31).  

This day, Easter Sunday, we each have an opportunity to recognize the Risen Christ through reception of his Body and Blood, realizing that before the birth of Jesus he already was Incarnated and walked the road of Via Dolorosa to Calvary.  Mary was the first to see the Risen Christ after his resurrection, and each of us shall see him as well at our own resurrection.  This is the Living Proof of God’s eternal plan to welcome us back home.

Ralph B. Hathaway