Eternal Life

        1 John 1: 7:12 — That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you.

     In the birth we celebrate this season the word became flesh, eternal life entered into one specific life.  Now through the word about that life and that incarnation, eternal life can enter our lives.

     Bask in this mystery.  Give thanks in all things.  Open your heart to the joy of God!

Heaven and Earth

        2 Corinthians 4:7 — But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.

     In the end we simply live within this mystery of the incarnation, this treasure in jars of clay, the word become flesh, God in human form, Emmanuel.

     And we rejoice in this great gift of God!

New Creation

        2 Corinthians 5:17-19 — If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.

     When God was born in Jesus is made it possible for Christ to be born in us today.  The incarnation of God in Jesus begins the process of God’s incarnation in us; but not just in us, in all of creation.

     What is one way God has worked through you to make the world a more beautiful place?

Faith

        Jeremiah 29:10 — But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

     We have experienced it again and again:  We have been blessed when we have sought to be a blessing in someone else’s life.  And yet each time we take the first step to make someone’s life better, we take that step by faith.

     I believe, help my unbelief.

The Mind of Christ

        Philippians 2:5-7 — Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

     Here’s a paradox:  We never become like God (because God is incarnate within us) by seeking to become like God.  It is only by becoming our true selves that God enters in.  By seeking to empty ourselves we are filled.

     So what do we seek?  The mind of Christ.

To Know God

John 1:18 — No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

     How helpful it is to be able to know God by knowing the person named Jesus!

     What is one aspect of God you would never have known without knowing Jesus?

Mercy

        Hebrews 2:17-18 — Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

     Once again God takes the first step, becoming like us in every respect so that he may help us in our weaknesses and in our difficult times.

     Is there a struggle Jesus went through that has reassured you that he could help you in your struggles?