Christmas Day in Hospital (another)
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6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have see
Carols full of powerful life-changing truths. Matthew and Luke tell us about the facts of Christmas: shepherds, angels wise men, star of Bethlehem. John doesn’t mention any of that. John tells us what those things mean – not what happened what but what it means.
3 words to memorise:
1.Word
2. Flesh
3. Dwelt (among us).
Three strange descriptions of Jesus, the one we sing and carol so much about at this time of year.
1.Word.
Jesus the word of God. New CEO st SMH last week she came to see us. Does she like coffee, tea, sparkling water? Don’t know, I’ll have to get everything for her. BUT Ask he and her word reveals the truth. No don’t like coffee , prefers a fruit tea. Her word reveals who she is and what she is like. Jesus is the word of God Hebrews 1:3 says he is ‘the reflection of God’s glory, the exact imprint of God’s very being.’
God hasn’t given us a religion, a set of beliefs a moral code to follow – that may be the stuff of other religions but God has given us as his word a person: ‘the exact imprint of God’s very being’ Not a philosophy but a person Jesus, born in Bethlehem 2017 years ago. If you want to know God you need to know Jesus. When you look at Jesus’ life, his healings, his miracles his perfect life even forgiving sins you see what God is like. Have you done that, looked at Jesus you will know him through his Word. Do you know him, do you talk to him in prayer? He is the word.
But Christmas isn’t just that Jesus is the word…..
2. Flesh
Jesus is the Word made Flesh. The Divine is made human, soft, huggable. The Word made vulnerable a baby in a manger – that’s the Christmas story.
How crazy is that? Only Christianity has said God has become human, a baby vulnerable, killable.
In the Old Testament the presence of God was known as a consuming fire – awesome but frightening. When the Word became flesh, he became accessible, embraceable, huggable. God came down into history so that he can come into your life with transforming power. (Van Morrison song Transformation)
The Word made flesh means he was tested and tried and suffered as we do. He has been where you are. That’s what makes him our ‘wonderful counsellor!’
A Radiologist got so used to putting people through cat scans and X-rays. Telling people to ‘Lay flat in that position, hold still.’ ‘This may hurt a bit, but it will be over in a minute.’ Then that radiologist got Kidney stones and had to go for an X Ray!! Now he knows pain what the pain is like and he is able to empathise. He is a much better Radiologist – knows pain. Jesus is the word made flesh. He knows pain, brokenness, betrayal.
How does that make you feel? Do you think he is someone you can talk to , pray to who knows that what you are going through is tough.
You can go to him about anything – he understands, he has been there, he is the Word made Flesh and thirdly, Dwelt among us.
3. Dwelt
Dwelt among us so we could see his glory.
What does that mean: ‘so we could see his glory?’
In the Old Testament, the ‘Glory of God’ was a pillar of fire, a consuming fire.
Moses’ face glowed when he encountered. He had to wear a veil.
At Christmas, God’s glory - God’s holiness - became a baby. Safe, approachable, accessible.
Other religions which say: live this n that way, do this and do those rituals and God may accept you.
In Christ you are accepted just as you are. The word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and if you invite him into your life, he dwells within you, with you.
Instead of religion you get withness! God with us. Not a religion - a person - Jesus. Withness ends religion as we know it – Jesus wants to dwell in us, with us, wants to be in relationship with us. God came into history and now the Glory of God can come into your life. The life-transforming Glory of God can come to you
[Illustr] One of the most unlikely people to seek this ‘withness’ God dwelling within is Van Morrison. One of his new songs expresses it Gonna be a transformation in your heart and soul Gonna be a transformation, now that you know, Get used to righteousness when it makes you feel whole, Gonna be a transformation, down in your soul
If you think about a close relationship you are in, how it came about how it developed. Spending time, talking, sharing, caring. Jesus dwelling in us is a bit like that. Will you let Him? Christmas is about getting near to him with he who is the word made flesh and dwelt among us. How close are you to the Lord Jesus? He wants to dwell in you.. O Come let us adore him – Christ the Lord.
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23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Jesus, the Light of the World. This is the message of Christmas!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
O Come All Ye faithful - John Francis Wade (b. 1711; d.1786)
Footnote
John Wesley's dying words were: ' God is with us.'
