“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 1:14
Today’s Gospel is a beautiful piece of literature, and it expresses – in the unique way that only literature can – two fundamental truths about God. First, God is not “out there” in the distance, up in the vague “heavens” somewhere. The God of the universe is Being itself, existence itself. God is not somewhere, but Someone Who exists always and everywhere and holds everything together. Sometimes we forget that our God is not like Marvel’s Thor, a humanoid being with special powers living somewhere out there on another planet. The Gospel of John uses words like life, light, being, creative, and of course “Word,” and these only just scratch the surface of the greatness and goodness of the Mystery of God. Second, not only is our God everywhere at once, the fabric of life itself, but God also became flesh in a particular time and place. The God who is omnipresent and omnipotent “made his dwelling among us.” God became confined to finite human flesh in all its limitations, including all the joys and sorrows that come with it – for you and me. Now that is infinite love! It’s also the mystery of Christmas: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Merry Christmas, indeed!
As this new year begins, how might I turn to God more and allow God to make a dwelling in my heart and my life?
Jesus, help me to remember that you are not “out there” somewhere but right here with me, dwelling within me; make your home in me this Christmas!
Today’s Reflection is by:
Mike Buckler
Did you know...
A youth minister for 15 years, Mike enjoys a good cup of coffee, playing soccer with his kids, and always has three of four books “in progress.” He serves in the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and loves seeing God transform the lives of young people.
