John 1:14a
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
What did it mean for the Word to become flesh?
This verse talks about the Word dwelling among us. By dwelling, it means living, breathing and setting up home - Jesus wasn’t just a half-interested visitor to earth, He was whole-heartedly involved in His surroundings!
In the run-up to Christmas, things can get a bit ‘fleshy’ and become all about buying stuff, eating and drinking; things that aren’t bad in themselves but that can be a temporary fix to deeper issues in our lives. These things can make us feel better for a moment but don’t necessarily mend our brokenness. Jesus did not come to make our bodies and minds feel a little bit better on a bad day, but to satisfy us forever.
As I walk around our city at this time of year I see pop-up Christmas stores, shops where we can get Christmassy, buy our fur-rimmed hats and crackers, but also places that will be closed down mid-January. Jesus wants to ‘set up shop’ in and around us permanently. Thankfully we know He won’t leave town next month.
This Advent provides a great opportunity to remember how Jesus came to the Earth and a chance for us to permanently make room in our lives for Him.
PROMPT: Are you hungry for something in life? Do you have too much of certain things sometimes? Think about an area in your life where you need Jesus to come in and dwell. If there’s anything you want to say sorry for, tell Him; then invite Him in. Continue to reflect and ask Jesus what the next step is.