Advent Reader: Character of Christ

John 1:14

This one short verse, found at the beginning of John’s gospel, and is the climax of John’s introduction of Jesus. We are given a glimpse into the character of Christ.

“The Word” is a title that Jesus is given and is key to understanding who He is; it emphasises His deity. Fully God. Yet we go on to read that He became “flesh”. Fully human.

And not only this, He “dwelt among us”.

I wonder if when we read this, we skip over the magnitude and power of these words. The God who made and ordered the universe, comes to us. He comes close, to live with and among His people. ‘The almightiness of God moved in a human arm; the love of God now beat in a human heart; the wisdom of God now spoke from human lips; the mercy of God reached forth from human hands.’ (Rick Ezell)

In doing so, “His glory” was seen. Glory can be translated as splendour, brilliance, power, light that radiates from God’s presence. In Jesus, we see God. As we reflect on Jesus, this Christmas: a small baby born into a manger, may we not forget to gaze upon His splendour, power and glory.

And why? “Grace and truth.” These two words explain why Jesus stepped out. Because He was full of grace, He died for us while we were still sinners. Because He was full of truth, He was able to pay for our sins completely.

One short verse packed with so many wonderful truths which we all need to be reminded of this Christmas. This is the good news - Emmanuel, God with us.