Succinct

The most familiar narrative about the birth of Christ is found in Luke. Matthew has a shorter version without quite so much detail, and Mark says nothing at all about the birth itself. John’s discussion includes the pre-existence of Christ, but his specifics about the birth is confined to one verse – Chapter 1, verse 14. But what a verse it is!

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. After the resurrection, the Word, in the person of God’s Spirit, took up residence “in” the redeemed. And that, lloved friends, is all the difference. “Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness.” (John 1:16)

He is “the true light, who gives light to everyone. . .who gives the right to be children of God, to those who believes in His name, who were born not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:9;12b-13)

What a Truth we have to proclaim during this season. It is so much more than the birth of a King. It is more than stable and manager, shepherds and a shining star. It is God – revealed as never before – the Word made flesh, the Lamb sufficient, the Redeemer King has come to dwell in mankind.