Christmas: The Word Became Flesh
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John 1:1, 14)
You are warmly welcome! Dear visitors and those who have returned home, as well as those who remain in fellowship albeit virtually, we are glad to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ together. Gladness and peace fill your hearts afresh; sing for joy! Praise the Lord!
This year’s Christmas is an opportunity to celebrate God the Promise Keeper. Nothing is as disappointing and heartbreaking as an unfulfilled promise from a person you trusted. As he narrates the story of Jesus, Matthew writes many times, ‘this was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet…’ and John crafts a philosophical prologue in which he personifies the Word and finally delivers the good news, that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. There are two important meanings that should be taken from this occasion; first the humility of God putting on flesh and coming down to people to draw them to their Maker, and secondly, the fulfillment of God’s great promise – and this part we will elaborate more here.
Who is the Word? We are able to learn both from John and from earlier revelations that the Word is the agent of creation, a companion of the Father, superior to light, more beautiful than the sun, the Wisdom from God to give meaning and direction to life. But in simple human terms, it can also just be a promise. Phrases like ‘he is a man of his word’ or ‘she kept her word’ are common. A simple promise from a highly placed leader can calm hearts of striking workers; complaints about unfulfilled promises can change the way people vote, and thereby bring down a Legislator or District Chairperson, or even a President! And when it comes to matters of love, being a man of your word is the best thing your can be; otherwise, many pillows will soak tears! You rather don’t let out the word if you’re still unsure.
The good news today is that our God will never disappoint. In the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God fulfills to people his great promise of deliverance from the bondage of sin, rescue from enemies that appear stronger and more numerous, release from the prisons of dark uncertainties, liberation from the oppressions and limits of mortal life. This was the sign of Immanuel given to embattled King Ahaz by God through Prophet Isaiah. A partial fulfillment was realized in the next few years, but the real grand fulfillment is in Jesus Christ, God with Us! Let us take time to study, learn and take God as His Word because it will never fall to the ground unfulfilled. He is God the Promise Keeper. And Jesus Christ is the Fulfillment of God’s great Promises.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year 2023 to you all.