Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Advent Reflections: Day 11 - 12/12/2012



“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NIV)





Reflection

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” In the quiet of this time, think about these words for a moment. Imagine the essential meaning and implications of this verse. Our God of complete perfection came to earth, not by obligation, not by universal mandate, but because of the depth of His eternal love for us. So much so that He was willing to leave His heavenly dwelling, and in divine condescension, became man in order to live among us. The God of the universe, cloaked in the vessel of an infant child, all the while never losing His divinity. The perfect, living among the imperfect. God and man. Complete in both substance and essence.         
    
During this hectic time of year, it’s easy for us to forget the significance of why we celebrate. Although we may be flooded with reminders of what Christmas is all about, sometimes it’s as if the words fall on deaf ears. Christmas is not only about trees, decorations, presents and “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”. It’s not only about the Christmas lights, parties or A Charlie Brown Christmas. While all of these great aspects of Christmas bring joy, warmth and laughter, they are ultimately not what’s it’s all about. They are only supplements to the essential truth of Christmas: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

So as you celebrate this season with all of the traditions, gatherings and festivities that you hold dear to your heart, celebrate with the knowledge that the God of the universe became one of us, made His dwelling among us, and dwells with us today.     
        
Prayer

Lord, as we celebrate Christmas with all the pageantry, tradition and splendor, let us remember that the true reason we celebrate is that You became flesh and made Your dwelling among us. Help us to remember that as we go from here to there, in celebration of Christmas, that you go with us as well.  Let this be your celebration.  Amen