It is not a coincidence that most children squirm with anticipation and delight at the thought of Christmas’s arrival. There is so much to look forward to: new gifts, laughter, delicious treats, and listening to the Christmas story about Jesus’ birth. We were blessed several years ago to take our sweet granddaughter and family to see “Miracle of Christmas” live on stage by Sight and Sound Theatre. We were all mesmerized by the massive three-dimensional set, live animals, and the lowly stable prepared as the angels announced the coming of Jesus the Messiah. As the story unfolded around us and baby Jesus was born in the lowly manger, I was reminded of the late Charles Spurgeon's quote, “Though creation may be a majestic organ of praise, it cannot reach the compass of the golden canticle-incarnation! There is more melody in Jesus in the manger than in the whole sublime oratorio of the creation."
During the season of Advent, we look for the coming of the one who has delivered us from evil and who will continue to deliver us from evil. In today's passage, God was willing to be near his creation, a truth which represents the incarnation of the Word of God. God took on everything inherent to humanity without surrendering anything of his deity. He “dwelt among us,” is the same Greek phrase used to mean “pitch a tent” and is closely trailed by the Greek word for the ancient Israelite tabernacle, which was a tent itself. (Exodus 26)
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, what can we do this season? We can be evangelists and tell others that Christmas is about God taking on human flesh and drawing near to us. He died on the cross for our sins, and he and only he is the Savior. No one else could save us from our sins and offer us the ultimate gift of forgiveness of sins and abundant life!
Lord, thank you for caring so much for us that you became a vulnerable human and died for our sins. We praise you for your unspeakable gift this Christmas; give us a heart for praising you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Throughout this day: Let this worship song help you memorize our verse for today, and remind your heart to celebrate Jesus’ incarnation.
The Word Became Flesh (John 1:14, ESV) - Josh & Kirsten Shive
Photo Credit: Stein Egil Liland