Reflection
The narrative of the incarnation in John’s gospel is as succinct as it is direct. "The Word became flesh and lived among us." It is difficult to produce romanticised images for Christmas cards or nativity scenes. John cuts through the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke to get straight to the point - God the creator has become created.
The mystery of this paradox lies at the centre of the Christian faith. Whilst we might want to take control of our spiritual journey as followers of Jesus, asking 'what would Jesus do', this paradox of grace is beyond our control. This is because what Jesus would do is what God does in our midst for our sake and the sake of "all things [that] came into being through him".
Our celebration of this gift of grace, the incarnation of God in Jesus. This is the good news of a Christmas spirituality - we do not have to earn God's favour but through grace we can celebrate what God has already done for us in sharing our existence. We can do this as we enter into the rhythm of weekly worship, taking bread and wine, feasting on God's word, showing compassion for those around us and caring for this creation for which Christ came.
Prayer
Teach me good Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen. (St Ignatius Loyola)
Readings
Psalm 72:1-8, Zephaniah 3:14-20, John 1:14
Hymn/Song
Once in Royal David's City
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