Merry Christmas!
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 1:14 NIV)
In Ancient Future Time, Bob Webber wrote, “God united himself with humans in order for men and women to be united with God.” The great mystery of Christmas is that God didn’t just step into the created order, but rather he became what he created!
In his Christmas Homily in the year 386 AD, St. John Chrysostom states, “What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infants bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation the measure of His Goodness.”
What a beautiful description of the “great exchange” we celebrate at Christmas! Since through the incarnation God has fully participated in our human nature, we therefore have the calling and privilege of participating in his divine nature, being truly “united with God.” May it be so in increasing measure. Thanks be to God!
May you and yours have a most blessed Christmas celebration!
The IWS Fund and Scholarship Fund
If you have not yet taken the opportunity to remember the work and mission of IWS in your 2013 giving, please prayerfully consider partnering with us. Your participation at any level is vital and appreciated. Checks should be sent to IWS, 151 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073. Tax deductible donations may also be made online. Gifts may be designated in memory or honor of a loved one, and/or may be anonymous.
Your prayerful and sacrificial generosity toward the Lord’s work through the ministry of IWS is absolutely vital to the mission of worship renewal.