God With Us
Scripture Reading — John 1:1-14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
—John 1:14
Sometimes it takes a while to understand what is going on around you.
On October 30, 2010, shoppers filled Macy’s department store in Philadelphia. It was a normal shopping day until, without any fanfare, over 650 singers from the area joined the Opera Company of Philadelphia Chorus and began singing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” At first, shoppers appeared confused as they came to see what was happening. The singers were not on a stage but were interspersed among the shoppers. People recorded the event on their cameras, and it soon went public on the Internet. This “random act of culture” may have looked spontaneous, but it took some effort to make this event happen.
When Jesus appeared on earth, it initially looked like a random birth. Though a few people knew of Jesus’ coming, most were unaware of the plans that had been made in heaven in order to bring us a Savior.
The Gospel of John gives us a glimpse into the background planning that went into bringing Jesus to us. The birth of Christ was more than a simple occasion of a young woman giving birth in a stable, to which shepherds and wise men came to visit. This was an occasion that God had choreographed to rescue people from all nations. Let’s rejoice today, for God made his dwelling on earth for us!
We praise you for your great plans and works of salvation, Lord Jesus. Help us to see the amazing love you have shown in coming to be with us to save us. Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
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