The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us.

Life can be difficult even during holidays. How can we handle it when hardship keeps coming? The apostle John knew about enduring affliction. He wrote five New Testament letters to assure hurting people of who Jesus really was.

John 1:14 summarizes who Jesus was and is. When we reflect on the truth of this one verse, we find that we are infinitely spiritually wealthy in Christ. We have been given everything that is needed for life and godliness both here and in eternity (2 Peter 1:3, Ephesians 1:3-14). Because of who Jesus is, the Christian does not have an option to disobey or quit. We have been outfitted to persevere.

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The Word

The first noun in John 1:14 is the Greek word "Logos." Naming Jesus Christ with this word communicates several things: He is pre-existent and eternal. He co-existed with God in eternity (Philippians 2:6). He is self-existent; no one gave Him life.

In Greek philosophy, "logos" was the impersonal force behind everything. It created, but was not eternal. Jesus as The Word is so much more. In the Old Testament, God spoke His self-revelation (Genesis 1:3). In Jesus Christ, He revealed Himself in human form (Hebrews 1-2).

Became Flesh

The apostle John wanted to make sure the readers of his day did not believe the Gnostics, who said the Logos could never be incarnated. God really did come in flesh. The eternal has a birthday! Jesus had to become a man to become the Lamb who would take away sin. Romans 5:18-19 describes Him as the second Adam. He was infinitely sinless and thus could be our sacrificial atonement (1 John 3:5).

Dwelt Among Us

First-century Jews were familiar with the Old Testament tabernacle where God's presence dwelt with His people. In the Incarnation, God again pitched His tent with humans for a short time. Jesus lived a real human life in all its activities and emotions. Hebrews 2:14-18 says this makes Him a fit advocate and comforter for us.

We Saw His Glory

What is God's glory? Moses asked to see God's glory in Exodus 33:17-23. God's glory is found in His attributes -- goodness, grace, compassion. These are attributes that we can also demonstrate in a finite manner when we are born again. We can reflect God's glory by being Spirit-governed and pursuing Christ-likeness. John saw the glorious perfection of Jesus firsthand as His disciple.

The Only Begotten of the Father

Jesus is the uniquely one-of-a-kind Son of God. He is unique in His person and inheritance (Colossians 1:15-20). We are not eyewitnesses of Jesus, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we believe what we have not seen (1 Peter 1:8). Jesus Christ deserves to be given your whole life, and He is infinitely able to love and keep you for eternity.

Full of Grace and Truth

Grace is help from Heaven and sums up all that God is to us. The grace and truth of God found full embodiment in One Person given to us, Jesus Christ. When you know who He is and believe and trust Him, He changes your life.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• Galatians 5:16 – How we glorify God.
• John 17:1-5 – Jesus shared and showed God's glory.
• John 14:6, 1 John 2:2-3, Titus 2:11-14 – Jesus saves and changes lives.

A Hymn to Encourage: "Angels from the Realms of Glory"

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light;
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!