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 light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-5
I like Christmas. In my opinion, it occurs during the most wonderful time of the year (football and hockey season). Like many in the Midwest, I find beauty in the seasonal changes. During Advent, I look forward to the festivities, the food, the music, the lights, the snow, etc., etc., etc.
Confession: there are times when I allow the aforementioned to become my Advent. While occasionally remembering the birth I am supposedly celebrating, it seems that I spend a majority of the season’s hustle-and-bustle-induced-energy on that which stands beside at best, or in opposition at worst, to the intended reason for the season. Why do I find it so hard to remember the birth of my proclaimed King? I suspect it is because I willfully mistake the creator of all things for a cuddly baby packaged neatly in a straw-filled manger complete with reverent livestock, singing angels, curious shepherds, gift-wielding kings, a couple of confused virgins, and a bright star, all wrapped up with a methodically fashioned bow on top.
In John’s prologue, he refers to Jesus as the Word. He then goes on to explain that the Word was present in the beginning—drawing connection to Genesis 1:1. When I slide into my packaged baby Jesus Christmas mindset mentioned above, I am foolishly forgetting that Jesus is the Word, and the Word is God, and the Word is present in the beginning and always. John reminds his readers that Jesus has always been. He did not arrive at this birth that we celebrate—rather he put on our flesh and dwelled among us. Jesus is God. Jesus became man. Jesus is God incarnate. Present at the creation. Present on the first Christmas morning. Present now and forevermore.
Aware of these things. . .I long. . .to remember. . .
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