PLEASED TO DWELL
A biblical introduction to the incarnation
By Peter Mead
Christian Focus. 207 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978 1 781 914 267
In his introduction, Peter Mead says that ‘Christianity is a faith with Christmas in its DNA’.
The rest of this book backs up that claim, showing that the coming of Jesus into our world was anticipated in the OT while being more fully explained in the NT. Part One examines OT foundations for the incarnation including the promise of a seed to Abraham who will be the ultimate prophet, priest and king and the embodiment of God’s new covenant in a person. Part Two surveys the account of Jesus’ birth from Matthew’s Gospel while Part Three focuses in on Luke’s Gospel. Part Four concludes by examining other NT passages that provide insight into why God became a man.
Sweeping the Bible
This book does a remarkable job of introducing us to the sweep of the Bible’s story and reminds us that the heart of the Bible is not a what, but a who – a person: Jesus Christ, the word become flesh. This book could profitably be used as a devotional guide in the build-up to Christmas for individuals or groups. The short chapters aid its use in that way and Mead writes in an engaging style, providing insightful comments that bring the story of Christmas to life. However, I think that how you take to Part One in particular will depend on whether you think we should speak about OT appearances of God or OT appearances of Christ. Mead argues that the scriptures speak of Christ appearing to Adam and Eve in Eden and to Moses in the Tent of Meeting, for example.
As I read this book I was pointed to Jesus Christ and led to marvel once again at the wonder of the incarnation. Mead is right that ‘[Christ] did not come as a coach… as a police officer… as a lecturer… [but] as a groom intent on wooing his bride’ (p.206-207). This book would help someone have their hearts wooed afresh by their Lord, the one ‘by highest heaven adored’ and yet the one ‘pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel’.
