The Word, Jesus, became human and lived among us (1).
Think of it:
He is “the image of the invisible God” (2), and
“The radiance of his glory (3),
The Creator of the universe (4), and
The Sustainer of all things (5).
He is “before all things, and in him all things hold together” (6).
He is glorious in power and grandeur because
God was pleased to have all of his divine essence inhabit him (7).
Who can fathom such transcendence?
The Word dwelled in the perfection and beauty of heaven (8),
In an atmosphere of tranquil peace and effervescent joy,
Where every longing of the soul is fulfilled,
Where angel-songs waft on the breeze.
Who can fathom such splendor?
Then, The Word humbled himself beyond comprehension (9).
The Infinite One entered time and space.
He submitted himself to our realm of hurt and greed and struggle.
He even accepted the confines of a helpless infant—
Unable to feed himself, dress himself, or speak.
For a time, the Word relinquished the privilege of words.
And the most important event of all history took place in a stable-cave, where
God’s infinite love was wrapped in swaddling cloths, and
The most important Person of all history was placed in an animal feed trough.
For this King, no trumpets heralded his arrival to the royals in their castles,
No loud pronouncements proclaimed his birth to officials in their chambers of government.
Instead, an angel choir hailed His coming to humble shepherds on a hillside.
Who can fathom the glory of such humility?
The Word grew to manhood and proclaimed the way to know God as Heavenly Father (10).
The Word spoke radical truth about believing in him and receiving eternal life (11).
The Word sacrificed his life that we might escape darkness
And live forever with him in the kingdom of light (12).
Who can fathom such love?
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- John 1:14
- Colossians 1:15
- Hebrews 1:3
- Colossians 1:16-17
- Hebrews 1:3
- Colossians 1:17
- Colossians 1:19, ISV
- John 6:38
- Philippians 2:7
- John 1:9
- John 5:24
- 1 Peter 2:9
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From the Inside Out 
I surely can’t imagine it, dearest Nancy. But I am so excited to one day see it and know it with my eyes! For now we see dimly, but then we will know fully!!!! Thanks for stirring my heart toward Him and His love! Have a blessed Christmas!
Praise God for his stirring of our hearts, especially at this time of year as we contemplate his incarnation and its implications–beyond our complete understanding, that’s for sure. But as you’ve said, one day we WILL comprehend all truth. Until then, may Christmas 2015 be gloriously merry for you, too, Heidi!
I was just pondering the “Glorious Impossible” as MadelineL’Engle calls it, of God becoming Man. His majesty is beyond comprehension, his greatness without bounds, his holiness is perfection, and he chose to dwell not only with us but in us.
What a huge risk–what great love–you’re right. I’d daresay crazy love, eh?
Leave it to Madeline L’Engle to create such a brief yet meaningful phrase, the “Glorious Impossible.” Love that. And yes, God’s love for us IS irrational and crazy, isn’t it. Dare I say, “Praise God for his craziness!” Thank you, Jody, for your thoughtful pondering here. Merry Christmas, friend!
And meanwhile (11 1/2?) the Word lives within us, steering us along the dappled way and enabling us to speak His truth into darkened places–until we reach that place of endless light. Merry Christmas, Nancy!
Such joyful contemplations: the Word living within us, guiding us, enabling us to make a difference in this world, and in the end providing endless light. Thank you, Mitch, for the uplift, and Merry Christmas to you also!
What a wonderful thing to know that someday we who have accepted Christ will dwell in His Divine Presence…for all eternity! Eternity is somewhat of a mystery in itself in that it is hard to wrap one’s head around because everything here on earth is finite and temporary. Nothing we have ever experienced here is infinite! I look forward to understanding all of the mysteries of my Savior and living forever in his Lightness and Glory. (Hoping this make sense!)
You’re right, Cheri: the wonders we’ll see in heaven and the mysteries we’ll finally understand are certainly exciting eventualities to contemplate!