The word became flesh and blood and moved into the Neighbourhood… John 1:14 (MSG)
God has always been. He was here in the beginning when all was created. He was present with the Israelites as they wandered the desert, with David as he slew Goliath, with Nehemiah as he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem… Near. Always.
‘Word’ here in John 1:1 is the word ‘Logos’ which means a “living narrative.” Words that don’t just make sounds, but create life and love with every utterance, that embody a story and a hope with each spoken word that transcends limitations, time and space. It’s the tangible and expressive part of God that moves through every sphere and moment of life.
John 1:14 in the Message “The word became flesh and blood and moved into the Neighbourhood…”
The word of God, His expression of love, the light that shines in the darkness, clothed himself in skin and moved in right down the street… among us… with us… one of us.
Jesus Christ.
No longer just ’near’, but now physically present.
When Jesus was born to Mary in that old smelly stable, He moved in and made Himself at home. God, the creator of all things, all powerful, all knowing… who is in all and through all, became a man to display His wonder and Glory in the world.
To see ‘greatness', we look for big signs and sensational news, unbelievable and shocking facts to floor us and expose us to an idea or sight of something bigger, better and greater…
Climbing the ladder of sensational to reach its heights…
But God didn’t climb up to show His glory… He humbled himself, drew near, became one of us… not out of reach, but within. And it’s shocking, fantastical and unbelievable that it wasn’t a supernatural army; or the heavens being ripped open, or a giant of a man (or woman) who changed the world in one incredible feat. But rather a baby, born to a virgin, would grow into a man and change the world with his perfect mixture of humanity and glory… right here in our neighbourhood…