Merry Christmas. It’s an interesting phrase.
Christ’s birth was not wholly a joyful one. His parents were likely exhausted and probably a little uneasy, not to mention giving birth in a dirty stable with none of today’s technologies. On top of that – and more importantly – His birth was a solemn one. Heaven knew the reason for His birth…one that would end in horrific, inexplicable misery for His glory and our salvation. The Father gave His only Son. The Son willingly put on flesh to fulfill the Father’s will. This little baby, the Savior of nations, was born to die.
Today, I celebrate His birth in a new way. Mom is absent. Her incessant phone calls and emails about plans, gifts, and wishes went silent. I still celebrate. Without the birth of our Savior, there would be no ultimate sacrifice to redeem us, including Mom. Because of what God set in motion from the very beginning, Mom is in heaven celebrating in her new way.
God made flesh, and yes, God, made flesh. He joined in His creation to save it. Eternal love and grace, power and glory. E’en so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Until then, we celebrate!
From the Gospel of John 1::1-5, 9-14
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 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.
a tilting of air 