1. It is the most "marvellous" occurrence that
ever the world beheld —
[That God should be manifested in human flesh, in order to redeem his enemies from destruction, and to purchase to himself a church with his own blood! great indeed is this mystery of godliness : it has heights and depths that can never be explored.]
2. It is the one mean of " victory" over death and hell—
[Satan, the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air, had usurped dominion over the whole race of man, which he would have retained for ever, if God himself had not interposed to rescue us from our sore bondage. But how should even God himself effect this great deliverance? No way was found, but for God himself to take our nature, and become our substitute. What joy then should not the execution of this plan excite in our hearts !]
3. It opens salvation to a ruined world —
[By this was " made known" the way of " righteousness and salvation" through a vicarious sacrifice: nor was it any longer set forth in types, but " openly," in plain explicit declara- tions ; and that, not to the house of Israel only, but " in the sight of the heathen." How should we benighted Gentiles rejoice in this !]
4. It is the richest display of God's "mercy and truth"—
[It was in this incomprehensible mystery that " mercy and truth" met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. When the incarnation of Christ was first promised to the world, it was a most stupendous act of mercy : after that, the accomplishment of it was an exhibition of truth and faith- fulness : yea, it was virtually the substance of all the types, the completion of all the prophecies, the consummation of all the promises. Who must not rejoice in it ?]
After stating such grounds for joy, we may add with confidence,
II. An exhortation to rejoice —
The animated exhortation of the Psalmist imports that,
1. We should feel an interest in this great event —
[It is by no means sufficient to acknowledge Christ in a
mere speculative manner ; we should consider ourselves as the
subjects of his kingdom, and seek to participate the blessedness
of his people. Let us then inquire, not merely whether we
665. J Christ's advent a ground of joy. 177
believe that Christ came into the world, but whether we have been filled with wonder at his " marvellous" condescen- sion ? Let us ask ourselves whether " his right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory" over our rebellious hearts? Whether " he have made known" to us the sufficiency of " his righteousness," and the excellency of " his salvation?" and whether " his mercy and truth" have been magnified in the forgiveness of our sins, and in our renovation after his divine image ? All our pretences to joy will be vile hypocrisy, if we have not experienced, in some measure at least, these triumphs of his love, these victories of his grace.]
2. We should express our gratitude for it —
With frequency —
[It is not at one particular season only that we should call these things to remembrance, but frequently, yea, continually; since we every moment reap the benefits of Christ's adminis- tration. As the fire that burnt upon the altar was never suffered to go out, so neither should the flames of love and gratitude ever be extinguished in our hearts.]
With fervour —
[With what energy does the Psalmist repeat and diversify his exhortations to rejoice! Shall we then be contented to offer to our Lord a few cold and languid acknowledgments ? No : we should make melody in our hearts unto him ; we should even shout for joy. What if the world accuse us of enthusiasm? shall we relax the tone of Christian joy for them; or bring down the injunctions of heaven to the standard of their religion? Let the angels or glorified saints be blamed for carrying their exultations to excess, would they regard it, and compliment their accusers at the expense of duty? We plead not indeed for any thing that is extravagant and foolish ; but if we can obtain more of heaven in our hearts, and manifest it more in our lives, let us not be afraid or ashamed to do it.]