The Kind of Life
"Would you prepare us for the kind of life that has come with Your incarnation?"
John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The incarnation of Christ is not just a historical event we commemorate each year. It's a reality that continues to reshape our understanding of life itself. When God became flesh and dwelt among us, He didn't just visit for a while and leave things as they were. He came to inaugurate a new kind of abundant life and invite us into it. But what does this life look like? And how do we prepare for it?
The life that comes with Christ's incarnation is paradoxical. It's a life of profound peace amidst turmoil, strength found in vulnerability, and victory achieved through sacrifice. It's a life where the first becomes last, and the last becomes first, where losing one's life is the way to find it. This life is characterized by love that extends beyond our comfort zones, forgiveness that defies human logic, and hope that persists in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It's a life of purpose that transcends mere existence, of joy that runs deeper than fleeting happiness.
Preparing for this life involves embracing humility, just as Christ humbled Himself to become human while acknowledging our dependence on God and our interconnectedness with others. We're called to cultivate compassion, developing hearts that break for what breaks God's heart, mirroring the God who was moved with compassion for humanity.
Practicing presence becomes crucial in a world of constant distraction, as we're invited to be fully present with God and those around us. Pursuing justice is integral, actively working to right wrongs and lift up the oppressed in our spheres of influence. We're challenged to live with an eternal perspective, transforming our view of struggles, possessions, and purpose. Embracing community becomes essential, as Christ's incarnation emphasizes the importance of human relationships. Finally, cultivating gratitude allows us to recognize the immense gift of the incarnation, leading us to see all of life as a gift from God.
As we journey through Advent, let's not just prepare our homes for Christmas celebrations or our churches for special gatherings. Let's prepare our hearts and lives for the ongoing reality of life with the incarnate Christ. This preparation is not about achieving perfection but opening ourselves to transformation. Remember, the One who calls us to this life is also the One who empowers us to live it. We don't prepare in our own strength but in reliance on the grace and strength that Christ provides. This Advent, may we echo Mary's words of surrender: "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). May we open ourselves fully to the kind of life that has come with Christ's incarnation – a life of love, purpose, and unshakeable hope.
Take a moment to reread today’s Scripture passage and then spend some time reflecting on the following questions:
John 1:14 (ESV)
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Which aspect of the "life that has come with His incarnation" challenges you the most? How might embracing this new kind of life change your daily interactions and decisions this Advent season?