Every year as I approach December, I am overcome with wonder at the glory of the incarnation of Jesus. The word “incarnation” loosely translated means to come “in the flesh.” It is central to our real celebration of Christmas. Why did God have to come in the flesh? Because He longs to be in relationship with us! Not just for a visit, but also for eternity, and to be right here on this earth among us and one of us was the only way to demonstrate His wondrous, gracious love to us.


Several years ago when our family was hurting and I was 1,700 miles away, the only way I could think to say “I love you” was to go there and be with them in the flesh. I needed to be right there. So, out of love, I entered into their messy, broken lives and lived within the limitations of their budget and living space. How infinitely much more did Jesus, then, love us by entering into our messy, broken world in a human body, living with us within the limitations of our poverty, space and time? He knows all our weaknesses, yet is not ashamed to call us family!