Advent 7 (2013): Incarnation

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:10-12)

 

Amazing. You who created everything by the power of your eternal Word would be LOVE’s coming down to enter the space and time of what you created.

Unexpected. You who rule over all would arrive as a baby.

Shocking. Eternal riches of life and light in a poor girl’s womb.

Incongruous.  King of Kings in swaddling clothes.

Mysterious.  Lord of Lords in mother Mary’s arms.

Awesome.  That such magnitude of love could fit in a baby-size frame.

Blind. That we would not see you for who you are.

Insulting.  That we would look for something better.

Inexcusable.  That we would have rejected you.

Astonished. That your nature would extend grace in spite of our ongoing sinful response to you.

Hallelujah.  That you gave us this right: we can be called children of God by believing the baby of the first Advent is who Scripture says He is.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Faith.  The only acceptable response to such a gift of God.

Amen?