December 25, 2025

 

Suggested Readings

Isaiah 62:6-12

Psalm 97

Titus 3:4-7

John 1:1-18

 

John 1:14 (the Message) The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.

We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish (italics added)

 

When a baby is born the family gathers around to “Uh and Ah” and inevitably discuss who the child looks like. She has her mother’s mouth. He has his father’s eyes. Now, I have seen a lot of babies, and frankly they all look like babies to me.

 

John, however, reminds that to see the Word is to see the Father. It is a powerful image, “like Father, like Son.” John reminds his readers that no one has ever seen God, “It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.” What we have seen in the Son is the over-flowing grace of God, described as “grace upon grace.”

 

The Message says the Word. . . moved into the neighborhood. Let’s ponder for a moment what it would look like in our neighborhoods if we lived into the “grace upon grace” that the Word makes available. We would treat our families and acquaintances differently. The plague of hatred that permeates our world and politics would not survive when confronted with grace of God.

 

Take a moment to read the words of Titus. We are saved according to God’s mercy, God’s Spirit has renewed us, and we are heirs to the hope of eternal life.

 

Celebrations of Christmas are beautiful tapestries of light and the sounds of familiar carols. But when the tree comes down and the decorations packed away, we may ask ourselves, “Is that all there is?” No. That is not all there is. We are called to incarnate the grace of God in all areas of life. In each of our interactions with family and neighbors we need to demonstrate that the Word became flesh.

 

As disciples of Jesus, we are to look like our Heavenly Parent. That is the meaning of the Incarnation.