BRANCHES December 2015

SOUTHWOOD
branches
The Word
The Humiliation of the Incarnation
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have
seen his glory…” (John 1:14). Take a moment to ponder the
wonder, the miracle of the incarnation. The Word, whom John has
told us was in the beginning and created all things, in whom was
all life, takes on flesh. The glorious King of Kings becomes a crying
baby in a dirty stable. Very God of very God becomes fully man.
Headaches. Hangnails. Heartbreaks. Hiccups. And much more.
How humiliating our bodies can be! They often don’t work the
way we want them to, don’t feel the way we wish they would, and
don’t reflect the dignity for which we were created. Sometimes
they can be downright embarrassing, can’t they? And Jesus
offers to take it all on—to set aside the glory of heaven for the
humiliation of earth.
Isn’t it incredible that the God who created us perfect and in his
image actually takes on flesh and walks among a broken creation
suffering under his curse? Jesus does exactly that. He humbles
himself… he weeps, he thirsts, he hungers, he hurts… he humbles
himself even to the point of death. What an incredible sacrifice!
The word used for “dwelt” in John 1 is the word for “tabernacle”
in the Old Testament—the place where God lived among his
people. And immediately when the holy God comes to live among
his sinful people, sacrifices are necessary for that to happen.
Likewise, sacrifices are required for Jesus to “tabernacle” with us;
the difference is that this time Jesus himself is the sacrifice. The
humiliation of the incarnation is complete as the God “in whom
was life” dies for his people.
God of the Lonely
Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever thought you
deserved to be lonely? Have you ever felt no one should
want to be around you, much less live with you? If we’re
honest, the last time we felt we should live on the Island
of Misfit Toys with the others who didn’t quite fit in wasn’t
when we got cut from the middle school football team. Even
surrounded by people every day, we know what it’s like to
feel alone.
One of my favorite names given to Jesus in the Bible
is “Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” Isn’t that
remarkable? Of all the people we can’t imagine wanting to
be with us, God must be at the top of the list. We could
never be worthy of that! And yet in Jesus God moves near.
That’s the message of Christmas: When we have turned our
backs on God, when we have isolated ourselves from others,
when no one else seems to be on our side, God is with us.
In fact, he wants to be with us. He chooses to move toward
us even when we are choosing to turn from him. I think I’ve
sung about Emmanuel so many times and known what it
means for so long that it often fails to amaze or startle me.
God with us. He wants to be with us. He chooses to have a
relationship with me. God doesn’t want you to be alone. He
likes you too much. In fact, it’s so important to him that you
know his love that he entered your world and your life and
promises never to leave you or forsake you. God with us.
God with you—today and always!
RESPOND:
Have you thanked Jesus lately for the humiliation he endured
for you and the sacrifice required to live with us? Marvel afresh
at the miracle of his love that prompted him to become flesh.
RESPOND:
Think of someone you know who might feel lonely this
Christmas season. How could you share with them the
comfort of Emmanuel’s presence? How could you be
a tangible expression to them that God is with them?