If you haven’t already, go read Part I >

The gospel begins by telling us about events surrounding the coming of the Messiah, and goes on to give us instructions on how we should then live. We first learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and then we are given commandments on how these events require a certain way of living. What used to be called “a Christian way of life.”

The coming of the Messiah was a divine breakthrough into human history. It is an event that we read about and discuss, though its full impact remains far beyond our ability to fully grasp. As we contemplate the life, death and resurrection of the Messiah, and all that it means, we are moved and humbled to a state of awe-inspired submission. Our understanding of the gospel may increase, but the incarnation of God is an earth-shattering, heart-wrenching event that we cannot possibly fathom to its fullest, let alone put into words. Like gazing at...