The Problem of Christmas

Hebrews 1:1-3

The Message of Christmas –

1. The problem

• When? 
• Who? 
• What? 
  • Controversy –

Theotokos = 

Anthrotokos = 

Christokos = 

• • Intention – to guard against an over-emphasis on Jesus’

• • Interpretation – 

• Why?
  • at stake – 
  • Personalities – 
  • Politics, power, pride, and

Three Quick Lessons

1. Christians must learn to as well as we .
2. Churches sometimes do the right thing the way.
3. Our Savior has a different path to power: . Be wary of political power.
4. God makes lines with sticks.

2. The to the problem

The Four Great Christological Passages

John 1

Deity:

1 – The word was

2 – He made all things

Humanity:

14 – The Word became

14 – Dwelt among us

Philippians 2

Deity:

6 – Already existed as

Humanity:

7 – Took on the nature of a

Colossians 1

Deity:

16 – All things created through him

19 – All the fullness of God dwells in him

Humanity:

18 – The firstborn from the dead

20 – Made peace through

Hebrews 1

Deity:

3 – The radiance of [] glory

Humanity:

3 – Provided purification for

Athanasian Creed – 

3. What the does

Because Jesus is human …

• He was the most human who ever lived.
• His trials were . “One who in every respect has been tempted as we are” Hebrews 4:15

• He knows from the inside. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

• Jesus’ bodily sacrifice was .

Because Jesus is God … 

• The is utterly scandalous.
• The must be serious.
• We must re-orient our lives .