“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…” – John 1:14 (NIV)
Central to God’s plan of redemption for mankind is the coming of Jesus into the world. The Christian community celebrates this time in our Christian calendar as Advent. Because of His great love for us, God wants to bring fallen man back into a right relationship with Him. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to reconcile us to God. His coming heralds hope for all mankind.
The birth of a king is no ordinary event. Earthly kings welcome their offspring who will eventually succeed them and carefully prepare them for the role they will assume. However, many wondered about Jesus since He spoke with wisdom and authority. His birth was questioned, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And are not His brothers James and Joseph…” (Matthew 13:55-56 – AMP). But Jesus’ birth was foretold centuries ahead and no one understood or believed when it occurred. Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) records, “For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us…” This Son of God “…will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity…”(Verse 7).
This promised child was delivered. The Word became flesh or human and dwelt among us. “He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognise Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him” (John 1:10-11 – NLT). “But,” the Word records, “to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:13). Hallelujah!
What Good News! What hope! This is why we celebrate. In a world ravaged by wars, pestilences, hunger, and injustice, we can look forward to the reign of Christ, where “peace will never end” (Isaiah 9:7). We celebrate not only His coming as a babe born in a manger but also His Second Coming when He will return in majestic splendor, reigning forever.
Brethren, let us take this responsibility seriously since God has committed to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Read: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 141; Revelation 3:7-22; Esther 2:19-23; Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5
