The Word Became Flesh

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God… ¹⁴And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” (John 1:1-2, 14).

The truth of the incarnation, God becoming man, is one of the most remarkable in all of Scripture. The God who created us, the God who holds the world together, the God who forms us in the womb and provides for our every need stepped out of heaven to become man.  He emptied himself and became a slave (Philippines 2:7).  He even died a horrendous death.  He did all of that for us.  It is impossible for us to ever understand the depths of that sacrifice.  For God to step out of heaven and enter the womb is beyond human comprehension.  The magnitude of God’s love for us is staggering. The sacrificial love of God for man is the story of Christmas.

There was a time when I believed that the Christmas season was a time of holy bliss for most people in our culture.  I saw those who didn’t find the joy in Christmas as not only being a small minority but obviously having some issues that they needed to resolve before God.  I have learned through years of ministry that I was naïve and had watched too many Christmas movies.  The reality is Christmas is a difficult time of year for many. It is financially taxing.  It brings up memories of those who we miss greatly.  It even magnifies instead of hide family tensions.  

For these reasons it is important we remember the true reason for the celebration of Christmas. It is a time to celebrate the first step toward the cross.  Jesus came to a fallen world in order to give it hope.  Whether Christmas is a time of great celebration and joy or a difficult time that adds to the pains of life, remember that Jesus stepped out of heaven and took on flesh because he loves you.  He wants to provide hope in you that goes beyond the current condition of your emotions.  He cares about what you are going through.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)