Read: John 1:1-14
Centering Verse: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
Explore:
- How was the Word active before the Christ child was born?
- How is the Word active today?
- How might you hear and receive the Word in your everyday life?
Reflect:
The Greek word in this passage that we translate as “lived among us” literally means that Jesus tabernacled among us. What does this mean? Well, it refers back to the portable sanctuary that the Israelites used in the wilderness and once they occupied the Promised Land. Eventually the Tabernacle was replaced by the Temple. But this was not God’s first choice. God wanted the sanctuary of his presence to be portable, to remind the Israelites that God would be with them wherever they went. In fact, the idea was that the portable sanctuary would go before the people, leading them as they traveled. This idea was somewhat diminished with a stationary, fixed temple. One of the main missions of Jesus was to restore this idea that God’s presence was fluid and active, always accompanying his people as they went about their active lives. This is still true today through the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit. You do not have to be in church to experience God. Everywhere you go is holy ground, for God is tabernacling among you!
Closing Prayer: LORD God, speak life into us and be near us.
