The Word Became Flesh

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:1

The advent season is the time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas, to remember and celebrate God's coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ.

Our society however has tended to commercialize Christmas. It seems to me that for many there is a misunderstanding of Christmas. The reality of Christmas is not Santa Claus nor Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Many think of Christmas as the time to purchase a Christmas tree, put up decorations, mail out Christmas cards, exchange gifts with family and friends, attend parties, and put on an extra 5-10 lbs.

How would people's view of Christmas change if instead of asking “Are you ready for Christmas?” we asked, “Are you ready for the birth of Jesus? Now, that puts the meaning of Christmas in a different light, doesn’t it? And yet, for us as Christians, that is the reason for the season. To prepare our hearts for the greatest good news the world has ever heard, that the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us.”

Thought For Today: Reflect for a moment on the “the Word became flesh”. Then ask yourself the question “Am I ready for the birth of Jesus?” What can you do this advent season to be spiritually prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus? Perhaps it is spending more time reading the Word, selecting a gospel, and reading through it during this advent season to get to know Jesus better.

Today’s Prayer Focus: During this Advent season pray that your heart and the hearts of our church family and friends would be spiritually prepared to celebrate the reason for the season. Deo Volente.