christmas presence
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” —John 1:14
God, the Eternal Word, Who spoke and the earth was made (Ps 33:6, 9), came as an Infant to earth (Lk 2:7). In a sense, God lost His voice. The Infant Jesus, the Word, did not give sermons. And if He did, who would have been able to hear Him? For several decades, He was hidden: first, in a humble manger, then in Egypt, then in lowly Nazareth.
Today’s Scriptures reveal that God the Father has now spoken to us through His Son (Heb 1:2). He is present inside our churches in a tabernacle as the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35). In fact, the Greek word often translated as “dwelt among us” literally means “the Word tabernacled among us” (see Jn 1:14).
When this reflection was written, there were ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, abortion ran rampant, sexual confusion and perversion went unchecked, and Satan seemingly was having his way in a hurting, divided world. One might wonder where God is in all this chaos. The answer is that Jesus is present here, hidden yet able to be found. Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with-us (see Mt 1:23). Seek Him. He will let you find Him (Jer 29:12-13).
Prayer: Father, You have chosen to speak to us through Your Son (Heb 1:2). May I always desire to listen to Him far more than I want to receive Christmas presents.
Promise: “All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.” —Is 52:10
Praise: “Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song, sing praise” (Ps 98:4).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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