TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us… who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Gospels give limited details on Jesus’s birth. Luke gives the back story on Mary, told she will bear a miracle baby, conceived by the Holy Spirit, to save humanity. Luke includes the journey to Bethlehem and Jesus’s birth in a stable, where shepherds worship him. Matthew tells of Joseph’s dream and the Magi’s visit. We construct the story of the manger, write songs and perform pageants just from these bits and pieces.
John in his Gospel chooses his words carefully to make it clear that Jesus (who he calls “the Word”) is God who has always existed and entered our reality as a human. He is the dwelling place of God among us. Jesus is now the place where heaven and earth connect. Watch the video clip below as Pastor Jeff Manion explains Jesus as the dwelling place of God.
Jesus becomes human to die in our place so we can return to our relationship with God destroyed by Adam and Eve (Philippians 2:5-8). This baby in a manger restores us with God and provides eternal life for those who believe and receive him (John 1:12). The manger represents the relentless pursuit of God to dwell with us. When we see it, our response should be to bow down in thankfulness, worship and awe toward God who wants to be present with us so we will be present with him.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Memorize John 1:14a, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” and consider all that it means to focus on Jesus this Christmas.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Revelation 11.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
