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9 To Hold God in Our Hands Jessica J. Schroeder, Current Student Master of Arts in Theology W hen I consider the themes of Advent, the marvel of the Incarnation carries immense weight. Scripture tells us that God became human. Divinity united to human flesh, without confusion or alteration of these distinct natures. ough I have studied this concept over the years cerebrally, coming to grips with the tangibility of the concept—God in flesh—can be a bit bewildering. How does one come to understand this incredible thing? A favorite Advent song of mine is called "Who Would Have Dreamed?" by Sovereign Grace Music. e lyrics contrast the glory and majesty of the coming King Jesus with the humility of His entrance into our dusty, often mundane, earth. e chorus reads: "Who would have dreamed or ever foreseen that we could hold God in our hands? e Giver of Life was born in the night, revealing God's glorious plan—to save the world." ose words, "that we could hold God in our hands," give me goosebumps, even as I write this! In light of this song, the account of Simeon's interaction with the infant Christ, Mary, and Joseph in Matthew and Luke struck me afresh. Luke 2:28 says, "Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God" (emphasis mine). Of course, people take babes into their arms all the time; this is not a new thing. But Simeon took God into his arms. Jesus Christ, fully divine and fully human, was held in the arms of otherwise ordinary human beings. As Simeon held the infant Christ, he proclaimed, "My eyes have seen your salvation," and proclaimed Jesus "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (2:30, 32). Simeon declared this babe in his arms to be God's salvation and light for revelation and glory—a gift for all the nations. ough this concept of God becoming human is difficult to comprehend, comprehension may not be the point. Rather, the Incarnation should lead us to an overwhelming sense of wonder. e marvelous mystery of how this could come to pass and the scandalous reality that it did come to pass ought to draw us into wonder, leading us, in turn, to worship. As we "prepare Him room" this Advent season, let us create space in our days—and in our hearts—to meditate upon the wondrous mystery of Immanuel, God with us. "WHEN THE PARENTS BROUGHT IN THE CHILD JESUS TO DO FOR HIM WHAT THE CUSTOM OF THE LAW REQUIRED, SIMEON TOOK HIM IN HIS ARMS AND PRAISED GOD." - LUKE 2:27-28 4 December