December 22
"But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father..." -John 1:12-15 (RSV)
It is sometimes hard to imagine how the "Word" can become "Flesh" especially in a tiny baby called "Jesus". However, if we look around us at the objects occupying our home, very few would exist unless someone first had an idea that could be translated into the understanding and creative reality needed to build and form the word or idea into a physical shape like that word picture which first existed into their spirit. It takes time and effort to form, shape, and perfect the "word thoughts" in our head but the result is worth it. When we enjoy a book or wear a coat someone has fashioned and formed, we are grateful for the knowledge or comfort it gives. Yet these objects couldn't exist without the thought or "words" that brought them to birth. So it is with Jesus who was the Word of "logos" in the mind of God.
Yet Jesus is also God's unique Son. He is one of a kind and enjoys a special relationship with God. When Jesus was conceived, God became a man. He was not part man and part God but completely human and completely divine. Before Christ we knew God partially. Now we can know God completely because he is visible in Jesus who is the perfect incarnation of God in human form. Consequently, all who welcome Jesus as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out and can rearrange our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and puts you in a family. Being "born of God" makes you spiritually alive and puts you into God's family. (Jn.1:12) This miracle is still offered today. If you believe in the name of Christ, the power of our Lord surrounds you even now bringing you into God's growing family as his precious child. Rejoice because God's love and protection envelops you today even in fear or doubt.
Prayer: Father God, Thank you for being my parent. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's love surrounds us always.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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