God Moved In And Laid In a Manger

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men . . . the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory . . . and she wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (John 1:1–4; John 1:14: Luke 2:7) 

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, born to young, poor, peasant parents who could provide for him only an animal-feeding trough for a bed. Births do not get much more humble than that. Yet in the midst of this meekness, angles descend from heaven to announce the baby’s birth, proclaiming him King and Savior, the cause of great joy to all humankind. This humble and helpless baby, dependent upon his parents for life itself was the author of life itself, the creator who spoke all of creation into being. God himself chose to put on flesh and blood, not as a costume to be put on, but as humanity to be lived, fully human and fully God. He not only chose to become as we are, but to do so not as a one privileged or elite, but as a member of the outcast and marginalized. He didn’t have to do any of it. But, he chose to. He chose to do it so that we can know God, know life, know hope, know peace, know joy and know love. He chose to do it because he loves us – he loves you. As you enjoy Christmas, take a moment and reflect on this reality. God knows you – everything about you – and madly loves you. The baby in the manger – Christmas – came about because of God’s deep love for you. Find yourself in the Christmas story. Merry Christmas Peace, hope, love and joy Doug P.S. A number of people have asked for a link to the video I showed on Sunday. You can view it here.