The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This was the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:14-16 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, through there’s no Mary or manger, shepherds or angels in John’s account of your birth, but there is most definitely you. You’re are the only “star” on the horizon in this nativity scene, and how you shine.
We praise you for becoming flesh and “tabernacling” among us, in the fullness of time. Though equal to, yet distinct from the Father, you didn’t consider your glory something to be tightly grasped, or held onto selfishly. Rather, you emptied yourself by becoming a man—but not just any ordinary man, but a servant-man, the Servant of the Lord, the second Adam—our Savior.
In your thirty-three years of incarnate life, you accomplished everything necessary for the redemption of your beloved Bride, and the restoration of the world you love. We magnify and adore, worship and love you, Lord Jesus. What a wonderful, merciful Savior you are. You are so mighty to save and quick to redeem.
We should sing, “Joy to the World” year round, for you are presently ruling the world with your grace and truth—the grace and truth of which you are full. You are making the nations prove the wonders of your love, as the gospel runs from heart to heart and nation to nation.
From the fullness of your grace we keep receiving one blessing after another, and one blessing on top of another: The gift of your imputed righteousness, the perpetual favor of God, your steadfast intercession and advocacy, citizenship in heaven, the work of the Spirit in our lives—the assurance that one Day we will see you as you are, and we will be made like you. Hallelujah, many times over! Joy to the world, indeed! So very Amen we pray, in your near and exalted name.
