The 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 came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 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 or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

John's Gospel begins in the most poetic way, capturing the imagination on poets and artists throughout the ages. John's Gospel never mentions the sacrifice of Mary and Joseph, nor the trials they went through to protect the Word of God. There are no infants' cries, shepherds, angels or lullabies for that matter. Yet, to make the Word of God come alive, be flesh, he had to not descend from heaven, but instead, grow within and be born from a very human woman. Just like all of us. Born bring us healing and belonging. Born to share our pains, joys and sorrows. Born to make us children of a living, loving God. We who are flesh and dwell in this realm know all to well how hard living as human flesh can be. And we have a Savior who understands us to our core.

Precious Savior, you came into the world 

to speak the words of peace and healing

to call us all to be siblings and family

a world that does not know grace and truth.

We do not hear your words of hope often

and we think we have to get by on our own

yet you suffered and died so we could be free

and you are with us in times of great troubles.

Help us to be filled with your words of love

give us strength to scatter the darkness through mercy

make us instrument of your peace and truth

and breathe your holy spirit upon all flesh again. Amen.