Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5, 14

Being a mother changes everything. A child grows within, a hidden treasure, a frightening invader - both radically welcomed and heightened concern - flesh of my flesh and wholly other too. The pregnancy, with all it's mystery and discomforts is overshadowed by life and growth. And yet, mystery and discomforts never go away, they but change. To see a body grow and a mind develop is extraordinary. To watch them turn out of the driveway and go on their way is heart-rending. And all of it is blessing and terrible burden. Flesh never completely unwoven from the fabric and yet miraculously independent and belovedly known. A life time of tears and laughter, the imprint of ancestors everywhere, and a completely new being transforming the world.

John must have understood a little the mind and heart of a parent for his poetic words strive to capture an infinitely complicated miracle. God's gift of a son to the world, when the world so ached for redemption and transformation. God who comes in flesh so that we might all be related to God. We are now never completely unwoven from the fabric of God no matter how independent and rebellious we become. The light of God's love is never burnt out in the world, nor burnt out in us.

Today, I hear God say, "trust me, you are a part of something greater." I want to take into my heart the truth that God is working the details and I am cared for, more than I can know. And trusting that, I pray that I can live for others so that they might know love, God's love and light in this darkening world.