December 27: The Word Became Human
Scripture
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
-John 1:1-5, 10-14
Jesus did not begin His story in a manger. Before Bethlehem, before angels and shepherds, before the straw and the stable, the Word already existed. John tells us that Jesus was present at creation itself. All things were made through Him. Life flowed from Him and light shined because of Him. The baby lying in the manger was, and is, God Almighty. The Creator stepped into His creation.
That truth should slow us down. The One who spoke galaxies into existence did not enter the world in power or prestige, but in humility. He did not arrive as a king in a palace, but as a child laid in a feeding trough. The eternal Word took on flesh and made His home among us. God chose closeness over comfort, presence over position.
Jesus also knew what awaited Him. He saw the devastation sin had brought into His good world. He knew He would be misunderstood, despised, rejected, and ultimately crucified. Yet He came anyway. The light stepped into the darkness, not to condemn the world, but to rescue it. The darkness could not overcome Him, and it never will.
Why would God do such a thing? Because He loves us that much. The Word became human so we could become children of God. He came near so we could be brought home. He entered our brokenness to make us new. This is the glory we have seen, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son, full of grace, truth, and unfailing love.
Reflection
1. How does seeing Jesus as the eternal Word, present at creation, reshape the way you think about the humility of His birth and the depth of His love for you?
2. In what ways might you be tempted to keep God at a distance, and how does the truth that Jesus “made His home among us” challenge that posture?
3. Where in your life right now do you need the light of Christ to meet you, and what would it look like to welcome Him there rather than holding back?
Prayer
Take time to thank Jesus for coming into this broken world to save us. Ask God to deepen your awe at the mystery of the Word made flesh and to help you receive His love personally, not just theologically. Invite the Spirit to lead you to live each day as a beloved child, walking in the light.