The Advent and Incarnation of Jesus: Why “God With Us” Changes Everything

Before the manger came the miracle: God Himself entering human history.

In this episode of the TBS Podcast, host Emma sits down with Dr. Scott Stripling, Dr. Israel Steinmetz, and Dr. K. Lynn Lewis to explore why the Advent and Incarnation of Jesus sit at the center of the Christian faith—not as seasonal tradition, but as the foundation of the gospel and the storyline of Scripture.

The Incarnation Is the Foundation of the Gospel

Early in the conversation, the guests make a strong claim: without the Incarnation, there is no gospel. Why? Because the good news of salvation depends on God doing what we could never do—entering our condition and acting on our behalf. Jesus does not merely deliver a message from God. He is God come near. As the Gospel of John says, the Word “became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us” (John 1:14). That means the Incarnation isn’t an “add-on” doctrine. It’s the doorway into everything else: atonement, redemption, resurrection hope, and the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity.

Jesus Doesn’t Only Speak About God—He Reveals God

The discussion returns to John 1, highlighting something essential: Jesus is the clearest revelation of God. God is revealed in creation. God is revealed in Scripture. But ultimately, God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ—God in the flesh. In other words, the Incarnation is not only about salvation; it’s also about revelation. If you want to know what God is like—His holiness, compassion, justice, and mercy—look at Jesus.

“God With Us” Is the Storyline of Scripture

One of the most encouraging themes in the episode is how the Incarnation fits within the whole Bible:

• In Eden, God walks with humanity.

• In the tabernacle/temple, God dwells among His people.

• In Jesus, God comes in person—walking, teaching, healing, and saving.

• In the New Jerusalem, God will dwell with His people forever.

This is not merely an idea. It’s relational. Christianity isn’t primarily trust in concepts—it is trust in a Person. The Incarnation declares that God’s goal has always been fellowship: God with His people.

The Old Testament Anticipates Jesus in Prophecy and Pattern

The conversation moves into the Old Testament—where the Incarnation is anticipated not only in direct prophecies, but in the structure of the story itself.

The guests point to:

• Genesis 3:15 as the earliest promise of a coming Redeemer

• The forward pull of Scripture toward a King, a covenant, and the “Day of the Lord”

• The sacrificial system and themes of blood, mediation, and substitute

A key takeaway: the Old Testament is not “complete on its own.” It is written with anticipation. The story only reaches clarity and fulfillment in the coming of Christ.

Fully God and Fully Man: Why It Matters

Why is it important that Jesus is both fully God and fully man?

Because only someone who is truly human can represent humanity—and only someone who is truly divine can reconcile humanity to God. The episode also highlights how the early church fought to clarify this truth through councils and creeds, not to invent doctrine, but to defend what Scripture teaches about who Jesus is. The guests use a memorable image: Jesus bridges heaven and earth. He becomes the meeting place—like the temple, where God and humanity connect. In the New Testament, Jesus is the true temple, the mediator, and the One who brings God’s presence to His people.

The Present Moment Matters More Than We Think

One of the most practical moments in the episode comes later: many believers long for the past (“If only I could have been there”) or fixate on the future (“It will be great someday”). But the Incarnation calls us into the present. The guests remind listeners of Jesus’ own words: it is better that He ascends and sends the Holy Spirit, so that God’s presence spreads throughout the world—in and among His people. That means Christian life today isn’t “less spiritual” than walking with Jesus in Galilee. By the Spirit, the people of God become His presence in the world—living witnesses of the kingdom.

Common Misconceptions: Advent and the First Christmas

The episode also clears up misconceptions, including:

• Many Christians (especially from low-church backgrounds) aren’t sure what “Advent” means or how to think about First and Second Advent.

• Some Christmas “images” are shaped more by tradition than by the biblical and historical context.

A fascinating example: the famous phrase “no room in the inn.” The conversation explains how Luke’s wording points more toward an “upper room” situation rather than a commercial inn—changing the picture from rejection to community and family context surrounding Jesus’ birth.

The Incarnation Isn’t Borrowed—It’s Unmatched

Finally, the guests contrast Christianity with ancient myths and other religions. Many traditions include stories of humans becoming gods—but the Incarnation is the opposite: God becoming man. This is what makes Advent so astonishing. God doesn’t remain distant. He comes down into our noise, our limitations, our suffering—and He comes to redeem.

Final Reflection

Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a declaration that history has turned because God stepped into it. The Incarnation shapes how we worship, how we disciple, and how we live. It tells us the Lord is not far off—He is Emmanuel, God with us—and by His Spirit, He is also God in us, empowering faithful life in the present while we await the fullness of His kingdom. Want more episodes like this? Subscribe to the TBS Podcast on your favorite platform and share this conversation with someone who wants to go deeper in Scripture and theology.

AUDIO VERSION