The Glory of the Incarnation

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life

Tim Keller

Religion, Religion & Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality:christianity, Christianity, Spirituality

4.8 • 15K Ratings

🗓️ 22 December 2025

⏱️ 31 minutes

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Summary

When the original hearers of John’s gospel—the Jews and the Greeks—heard the term, “the Word became flesh,” it was revolutionary. Many scholars have said it marked a complete revolution in the history of human thought. But I’d like us to think about the fact that Christmas doesn’t change our lives like it ought to. John says the Word of God became a flesh and blood human being. This is a life-transforming truth. Let’s look at three ways this truth should change our lives. If Christmas happened, and it did, 1) we have infinite comfort in the face of suffering, 2) we have infinite powerful conviction and incentive to serve, and 3) we have a hope that is both realistic and infallible. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 11, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:14-18. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Gospel in Life. Today, Tim Keller is looking at a passage from the opening chapter of the Gospel of John.
0:11.1	John begins his account of Christ's birth not with shepherds or angels, but with the mystery of the word becoming flesh, God himself entering the world as a person in Jesus Christ. Join us as Tim Keller explores the meaning of the word becoming flesh, God himself entering the world as a person in Jesus Christ.
0:22.7	Join us as Tim Keller explores the meaning of Jesus's birth.
0:33.0	Today's scripture is from the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 14 through 18.
0:39.7	The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
0:45.4	We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only son, who came from the father, full of grace and truth. John testified concerning him. He cried out,
0:58.9	saying, this is the one I spoke about when I said, he who comes after me has surpassed me
1:04.6	because he was before me. Out of his fullness, we have all received grace, in place of grace already given.
1:13.2	For the law was given through Moses.
1:15.9	Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
1:19.2	No one has ever seen God, but the one and only son, who is himself God,
1:24.7	and is in closest relationship with the father has made him known.
1:28.9	The word of the Lord.
1:33.7	Well, this verse or these verses, especially at the very beginning, the word became flesh.
1:43.4	And he made his dwelling among us, and we beheld his glory. The word became flesh and he made his dwelling among us
1:45.3	and we beheld his glory
1:46.9	the word became flesh
1:48.4	that's probably the most profound
1:50.9	simplest concise
1:52.7	summary of what Christmas is all about
1:55.1	that there is anywhere
1:57.9	that can be said or that's in the Bible
	...

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