The Creator of the universe took His first wobbly steps, probably fell, and got back up. That’s the humility of God in action.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
— John 1:14
When we think about the story of Christmas, it’s easy to focus on the manger, the shepherds, and the star shining brightly in the night. But how often do we stop to ponder the scandalous, profound reality of what this all means? God—infinite, all-powerful, and holy—became human. Not a polished, glowing superhero, but a vulnerable baby who cried, stumbled, and grew up facing the struggles of everyday life.
This article dives into the often-overlooked topic of Christ’s humanity, a subject rarely emphasized in charismatic and supernatural circles. In these communities, there’s a strong focus on Jesus’ miracles, His power, and His authority. And while these aspects are undeniably true and central to our faith, they can sometimes overshadow the equally critical truth of His humanity. Yet, understanding this truth is vital. It reminds us that Jesus didn’t just come to save us; He came to fully experience and redeem what it means to be human.
Why "Son of Man"?
Why "Son of Man"? It’s a title with deep roots, appearing prominently in Ezekiel and Daniel. But more than a nod to prophecy, it reminds us that Jesus wasn’t just some untouchable God; He was flesh and blood. He was fully human. He likely stubbed His toe, sneezed, and experienced hunger just like us. And yes, He wept. But let’s make sure we’re telling the whole story. Yes, He wept, but He also raised the dead with bold, raw, passionate faith. Let’s not reduce Him to a distorted portrayal—a crybaby wandering around in tears. He wept when compassion called for it, but He also declared life into a tomb and brought a man, four days dead, back to life.
And that’s where the story gets electrifying. Picture the moment Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Four days dead, and suddenly Lazarus is walking out, wrapped in grave clothes, looking like he just stumbled off the set of The Mummy Returns. This isn’t just about tears; it’s about a Savior with the power to transform even the most hopeless situations into miracles.
Humanity and Divinity in Balance
Jesus’ humanity and divinity exist in perfect balance. Often, Christians split into camps, leaning heavily on one aspect and ignoring the other. Some focus so much on His humanity that He becomes a moral teacher, a motivator—stripped of His power. Others emphasize His divinity, painting Him as an untouchable being disconnected from human struggles.
But here’s the truth: Jesus is both. Fully God. Fully man. Fully committed to entering our messy, awkward, and beautifully human existence.
The Infinite Became Finite
John 1 sets the stage: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This isn’t just some poetic intro; it’s a theological mic drop. Jesus was there at creation. He spoke galaxies into existence. And yet, He chose to enter His creation as a helpless infant.
Did God wear a diaper?
It’s a question worth pondering.
The humility of God entering humanity as a helpless infant should challenge our assumptions and redefine what it means to embrace weakness for the sake of others.
Dwelling Among Us
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Not visited.
Not phoned it in.
Dwelt.
That’s like saying He moved into the neighborhood, set up shop, and became part of the HOA.
He didn’t just come to fix humanity; He came to experience it fully, to become one of us, and to transform it forever.
In Jesus, we see a God who chose to walk in our shoes, feel our pain, and redeem every corner of our existence. This was not a distant rescue mission—it was a total immersion into the human story. Hunger, fatigue, rejection—all of it. And yet, He didn’t lose His divinity. He embraced weakness so that through Him, we could find strength.
The Obsession with Perfection
Now, we live in a world obsessed with perfection. Social media is a circus of filters and AI apps. We’ve traded authenticity for algorithms. Even our role models have become distorted portrayals of strength and self-sufficiency.
But here’s Jesus, the original disruptor, stepping into history not as a polished influencer but as a baby who had to learn how to walk, talk, and navigate humanity just like us. Think about that: The Creator of the universe took His first wobbly steps, probably fell, and got back up. That’s the humility of God in action.
What does this mean for us today?
It means that God isn’t looking for polished perfection; He’s looking for surrendered authenticity.
In a world that celebrates curated lives, Jesus reminds us to embrace our humanity—to acknowledge our flaws, imperfections, and need for growth. The message of the Incarnation is that God meets us in the mess, not when we’ve cleaned everything up.
Practically, this challenges us to live counter-culturally. Stop hiding behind filters, literal or metaphorical. Be real in your relationships. Share your struggles instead of masking them. Growth happens in the raw, unedited parts of life, and that’s where God works most powerfully.
Jesus didn’t come into a perfect world or a perfect situation. He stepped into brokenness and showed us that grace flourishes in imperfection. For us, this means rejecting the relentless pursuit of unattainable standards and resting in the knowledge that we are fully loved and accepted as we are. But it also means being willing to grow—not to achieve perfection, but to become more like Christ each day.
To Be or Not to Be
Now let’s talk about that word: become. It’s not a static state; it’s a process. Even Jesus had to grow in wisdom and stature, as Luke tells us. If He had to grow, how much more do we need to embrace the process of becoming? To be or not to be is more than Shakespearean angst. It’s the crossroads we face every day. Do we lean into growth, even when it’s uncomfortable, or do we retreat into the safety of the status quo?
Hamlet’s famous question, “To be or not to be,” is one of the most well-known lines in English literature. At its core, it grapples with the fundamental question of existence: Should one endure the pain and trials of life, or escape them through surrender? Hamlet was wrestling with despair, but his question invites us to consider the choices we make when faced with challenges.
This question points us directly to Jesus, who answered it in the most profound way possible.
He chose “to be.”
He chose to become flesh, to live among us, and to experience the full spectrum of human existence. He didn’t avoid pain, hunger, rejection, or even death. Jesus actively stepped into our broken world, choosing obedience to the Father’s will, surrendering His divine privileges, and fully embracing humanity. This wasn’t just a philosophical decision—it was a decisive act of love.
In the same way, we are invited to answer this question in our own lives. Will we choose “to be”? To live fully, to obey God’s call, to embrace the messy and uncomfortable process of growth and transformation? Choosing “to be” means stepping out of fear and into faith. It means surrendering control and trusting that God is weaving our trials into His redemptive story.
When we choose “to be,” we choose life—life in all its raw, unfiltered beauty and difficulty. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Just as Jesus’ decision to “to be” changed the world forever, our daily decision to live fully and obediently can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us.
Growth is Messy
Here’s the thing about becoming: It’s messy. Marriage, for example, isn’t some magical union where you instantly become one. It’s a process of ironing out wrinkles—and let’s be real, some of those wrinkles feel more like tectonic plates. But over time, grace transforms two individuals into a union that reflects God’s design. The same is true in our walk with Christ. We don’t wake up one day fully practically perfect in every way. It’s a journey of grace upon grace, stumbling forward into the person God created us to be.
Real-Life Application: Three Ways to Begin
Stop Hiding Behind Filters: Whether literal filters on social media or the figurative masks we wear in relationships, let them go. Be honest about where you are, what you’re struggling with, and where you need God to work.
Embrace the Mess: Life isn’t supposed to look perfect. Growth happens when we let God into the untidy, chaotic parts of our lives. Don’t wait until you feel ready or “put together” to step into what He’s calling you to do.
Pursue Progress, Not Perfection: Jesus didn’t call us to flawless living but to faithful following. Focus on daily growth, trusting that His grace is sufficient for each step you take forward.
Celebrating the Process
So this Christmas, let’s not just celebrate a baby in a manger. Let’s celebrate the God who became flesh, who dwelt among us, and who invites us into the messy, glorious process of becoming. The Creator entered our story, embraced our weaknesses, and showed us that there is profound beauty in growth. Let’s step into the new year with a renewed commitment to say yes to God’s invitation to grow, transform, and become.
In the end, it’s not about where you’ve been or even where you are. It’s about where you’re becoming. Through Jesus, we are reminded that life is not a finished product but an ongoing journey. In Christ, we’re becoming something extraordinary.
About the Author
Darren Stott is a pastor, speaker, and author with a passion for helping people embrace their identity in Christ and navigate the process of becoming who God has called them to be. He leads with humor, insight, and a deep commitment to the truth of the Gospel. If this article encouraged you, please like, comment, and share it with others who might need the reminder that God’s grace is at work in their lives.