Living Among Us

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14).  This well-known description of John that captures the meaning of Christmas literally means in the original Greek text of the New Testament that, in Jesus, God “spread His tent” to live among us.  That is why, in the verses just before verse 14, John emphasized the fact that some will recognize God living among them, and some will not (John 1:10-13).  Later in His life, before His ascension to heaven, Jesus was adamant that nothing will change this fact, because He will remain among us through the presence of his Spirit.  During Christmas, we have again being blessed by the glimpses of God’s glory in Jesus (1:14).  God has made himself fully known to us in Him (1:18).  Now the challenge of 2011 remains the same as always, namely to discern the shapes and forms of His presence among us.  Where will we find Him in our community in 2011?  And if we recognize Him, how will we be able to join Him and participate in His work of love, grace, peace, and healing among people?

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