Because He Came

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14

I’m almost never at a loss for words, but when asked about a “life verse” or my “favorite” portion of the Bible, I can seldom do more than mumble incoherently. However, if the question changes slightly and I’m asked which verse I most often turn to for comfort, the answer is easy: And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

There is just something about John 1:14 that never fails to minister peace to my soul. Remembering that God came to earth and walked where I walk, instills hope like nothing else. Through the human body of Jesus, God laughed, cut his finger, smelled the morning and when He walked along the shore of Galilee, God left footprints in the sand. A marvelous, comforting truth.

Perhaps that is why I am so given to listening to Christmas carols. Since I use background music to help me concentrate, I spend most of my writing hours with headphones on. Carols are a vital and ever present part of my life. I have heard of others who leave the Christmas tree up year round; I leave CDs spinning as they fill the air with Joy to the World and Silent Night. Even if the month is July.

As our society enters a “Holiday” season where Santa Clause fights for shelf space beside left over monster heads and artificial blood while the time of giving thanks is squeezed out by football, I feel an even stronger need to crank up the music.

It’s time to celebrate.

It’s time to turn attention away from the nightly news of doom and gloom and look up.

It’s time to be reminded that although this world is not our permanent home, it is a beautiful and hopeful planet. God thought so much of this place and the people who walk around on its surface that He reached out and became one of us. With our sins and lacks and wars and terrorism and addictions and weaknesses, He embraced us and offered restoration. Because He came, I know He understands my ways even though I may not always understand His.

When I feel the shame of guilt and blush before His holiness, I can find cleansing because He came and took my sins upon Himself.

When I struggle with hopelessness and the days seem futile, I can look up and know life has reason and purpose because He walked here demonstrating His plan for redemption.

When the world seems to be spinning in a crazy, repeating loop of fear and threats are on every hand, I can sleep in peace because He proved Himself to be stronger than all the forces of evil when He resurrected from the dead.

When I feel a lonely emptiness, I can find comfort in the fact that because He came, I am never truly alone.

He came, He came, He came! Thank God for Christmas! He CAME!