Why the Incarnation?

2000 years ago, God became a human being. This is the central tenant of Christianity, and it makes sense to a lot of people. Until you really think about it and have to explain it to a non-believer. Why would God do this?

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[jameswhitaker]

Amen! The most beautiful and central part of Franciscan theology.

[robertsword]

I'm am overly moved with your videos, being so young, pure and innocent. You were chosen for this and I pray that you continue to ministry and the messages that you deliver are heard, received and more are called to his flock. I just hope that I can get to this level in my own life and can attest to the same before God and others.

[Toudeusz]

"For us AND for our salvation, he came down from heaven" for me the thing after "AND" is just an addition to Gods purpose to incarnate. The true reson is before "AND".

[kksforever]

Dear Father in simple words' it is God's unconditional love towards his creation ... AMEN...

[howardgootkin]

Fr. Casey, , I am not a Christian and therefore reject. That does not mean I cannot appreciate a brilliant exposition of the Incarnation . Your analysis and the theology behind it was the most intellectually profound and religiously rich discussion I have ever heard
You have once again proved that you how blessed the Church that you chose to become one of her priests

[alanwake]

Thank you Father for posting these videos. The Kerygma series helps me to appreciate the beauty of our faith more deeply, and reminds me that no matter how much we may 'know, ' we will never fully comprehend the depths of God's love.

[frankrault]

Being incarnated means like being subject to time and space. Having said that, it is mind-provoking to me, why God chose that particular moment in history, some 2000 years ago. Why not sooner? Why not later? There must be a reason.
I tend to believe that an earlier incarnation possibly would have met a population that wasn't ready yet. The Old Testament is not only metaphorical. There's history in it too. So some human development and preparation took place before Jesus was born. The Old Testament tells us about, seen from a christological point of view.
There was a bond between God and his people. The covenant. The law.
Couldn't it be so that Jesus was born at the moment the covenant was ready for its next step? The step from a temple of stone to the incarnated temple that is God himself?
As for that I do see the incarnation as Gods expanded act towards his flock, making it clear that all flocks were God's and not belonged to some strange deity. What his first flock and all other flocks do have in common is sin. So yes, it is redemption that I see as a reason for the incarnation.
What if Adam and Eve had not sinned. It's hard to tell and very hypothetical, but in line with the next question: Will we, once in Paradise again, still have the freedom of sinning, like had Adam and Eve?
Obviously the Paradise was another state of being than is the earth as we know it. Committing a sin in paradise can't mean anything else than ripping oneself out of Paradise. Adam and Eve were put out of paradise. Was it a punishment? Or was it rather an amazing grace to find our road back, which only is possible with the help of the Holy Trinity?

[jean-claudedesormeaux]

Our communion with Christ started with His incarnation. For the first time, the people of his time could see Him with their eyes, touch Him with their hands, listen to His voice with their ears. Our communion with Him began then. Cradled in his Mother's arms, he could not stretch His arms out to touch His Creation. He made Himself vulnerable and trusted His Mother and father. The Nativity is so important, so central to the Franciscan perspective on God's love and revelation and his desire to communion with us.
Thank you Father Casey, Peace and Joy ! JC, OFS.

[ronselgrath]

As St Athanatius wrote, "God became man so that man might become God." St. Athanasius, De inc. 54, 3: PG 25, 192B

[trinidadraj]

I am Byzantine. I'm glad to see this Franciscan-Byzantine connection.

[tomasidh]

Was just reading "On the incarnation" by St. Athanasius, good timing lol.

[janesibidol]

Beautifully said Father. Thank you and God bless you .

[johnm]

Thats a cool perspective! Thanks Fr, I hadn't thought of it that way before.

[MsCatreona]

It seems to me both very moving and completely logical that God, though complete in Himself, should nonetheless need something other than Himself to love. This is why he created the cosmos, living things and, finally and supremely, creatures "in His image." It follows that He wouldn't be able to love His creation completely from without, so He had per force to descend into it and become part of it. Thank you for explaining this. I try to think about these things, but guidance, especially from someone with such deep faith, understanding and wisdom, is a great help. Thank you for making these videos.

[curtishenschen]

I was raised Roman Catholic and it has been my faith all my life. As a child I wanted to be holy like my Mother. I love the sacraments and try and live a good life. There is so much sin in this world. I want to walk humbly and be God’s servant.

[allthatyaz]

That’s deep Father. Thank you for the reminder that God deeply desires to know and be a part of us. I often forget that His coming was about more than our redemption.

[paolosantos]

God bless you fr, Casey you are the blessing to us

[joannebywaters]

Amen!! Its so good when we share our gifts!! Thank you Bro🙏❤ I'd say now if someone asked me, Jesus became s baby to make it easy for us to love Him 🤗🙏

[icyhugs]

Well， this is something new though I have been a Sunday Catholic for 40 years XD

[vickycostilla]

After watching this video I can now say I have a satisfactory answer to my brother and my life-long conversation and confusion of "Our God is so selfish he created us to honor himself and he sent Jesus to save us... because... selfish." This video spells out why that conversation is absolutely false. I'm excited to share this with my brother. Thanks, Fr. Casey! Hope you're doing good. If you need us, you know how to find us. ✌💙