December 25, 2012
Slowly, imperceptibly, almost without notice, a quiet descends. Shepherds gone back to their fields, angels home to realms of glory. Even the animals have stilled their voices.
Dawn breaks. Ray by ray the light begins to fill the sky.
In the quiet of t he early dawn, we turn our gaze to the child lying in the manger—taking flesh and shape and substance before our very eyes.
In the beginning. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.
In the beginning, at the break of the day, in the silence of the early morning light, the Word takes flesh and dwells among us. Some say “the Word takes flesh and pitches his tent among us.” Others say, “the Word moves into the neighborhood.”
In the beginning, at the break of the day, in the silence of the morning light, Christ moves into the nooks and crannies of our lives, bringing God’s transforming light into the dark corners and bright rooms in which we dwell.
It takes a while to light up a house, even longer a neighborhood. But there it is—the Word made flesh and dwelling among us. Not standing off in judgment or observation but right there in the midst and messiness of life.
The Word made flesh and meeting us where we live and move and have our being.
That’s the magic of this moment. That’s the beauty of this day. The Word made flesh and pitching its tent among us.
Perhaps you know the carol, “Love Came down at Christmas.” Christina Rossetti wrote the words. It goes like this:
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas: star and angels gave the sign.
Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and neighbor, love for plea and gift and sign.
In the beginning was Love, and Love was with God, and Love was God. Love taking flesh and dwelling among us.
Making camp in our moments of joy and grief.
Brushing the twigs and sticks from the rough edges in our lives.
Pounding down stakes. Love is here to stay.
Raising the roof making room for all.
Building a fire, inviting us close.
Settling in.
In the beginning was Love and Love was with God, and Love was God. In the beginning was Love.