"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . ."
John 1:14
Christians the world over celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas means the Word became flesh. The Word refers to a term used by the ancient philosophers. They observed the symmetry and order in the natural world. They concluded that the Mind which planned and created all things was the Word (Logos). Their minds sought to find understanding through the Mind behind all things. Of course, we would say the Word refers to the Creator, God Himself. "... the Word was God ... All things were made through Him ..." (John 1:1-3).
The Word became flesh. God came to planet earth in human form. They called Him Jesus. God was revealed in flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). God had revealed Himself in centuries past through creation, conscience, and the words of the prophets. He reveals Himself fully in the person of Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2).
A little boy said to his mother, "I know we can't see God, but it sure would be good to know what He's like." His mother smiled and said, "We know what He's like. He's just like Jesus." Jesus said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). It's like seeing yourself in a mirror. Jesus is the perfect mirror image of the Father. What is God like? He is loving, kind, gentle, forgiving and gracious. How can we know? Because Jesus is loving, kind, gentle, forgiving and gracious. Christ is the meaning of Christmas, because He is the complete definition of God our Father.
Prayer: Father, we receive the Word of grace and truth through Jesus Christ. Amen.
