Beverly's Thoughts

Who would think that a book written by a man in the 300s would affect anything today? Yet is has. On the Incarnation by Athanasius is a little book discussing the major importance of Christ’s literal Incarnation on this earth. Having read it for the second time, I found that I better understood what Athanasius meant by the “Divine Dilemma” and how Christ solved it. This time around, I got a better picture of Christ as the Creator and Savior of the world.

Athanasius also includes many arguments for the validity of Christ’s Incarnation and gives our modern world a new perspective on history in relation to why Christ came. Athanasius seemed to understand that all of history flows together seamlessly, so that Christ was born at exactly the right moment in time. Even though I know some history, I do not yet know the flow of history, so I often struggle to link historical events with the reason for them. Reading someone not far removed from those days is refreshing.

I could also sense the humility with which Athanasius wrote. This man, who grew up under harsh Roman occupation and even faced numerous threats of martyrdom, had every reason to say, “Listen to me, I’m holy.” But he didn’t. Instead, he provided logical arguments for his defense of the Trinity, and many of those arguments are still being used. Because of his humility, God has lifted him high and made his writing a go-to book for all things Nativity.

I would recommend On the Incarnation to anyone who wants to be awed at God’s perfect timing and plan. If you want a Scriptural defense of Christ’s Lordship, this is the place to go. This is one of those books that is easy to understand, but whose implications will leave you pondering. Each time I’ve read this book, I have been amazed anew at God’s love. The next time I pick it up, I am sure I will glean even more.