The Word Became Flesh

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us..”

John 1:14

Undoubtedly these words are some of the most power packed words in the Bible! So much so that they have come to define much of whom we are and what we believe. Later in his writings, John utilizes this statement in order to test for true followers of Christ: 

  “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…” 1 John 4:2

Many hold the Advent as a lesser event in the life of Jesus especially when it is compared to his death. But the reality is there can be no substitutionary death on the cross, no penalty paid for sin if there is not the Word made flesh and born in a manger! Since that is so, it is vitally important this message be preached, sung and celebrated! The darkness of sin and ignorance must be contrasted with the Light of God’s salvation! Hopelessness and despair must be quieted by the voice of an Angel saying, “Do not be afraid for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” and the gloomy thoughts about God completely drowned out by a chorus of Angels declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests!” What a tremendous privilege we have, to once again announce the brightness of his appearing to people “living in darkness and in the shadow of death” so their feet may be guided “into the path of peace.”
 Several years ago, the lighted nose on my neighbor’s outdoor reindeer somehow disappeared. I thought it was funny. My neighbor didn’t! Rumors, innuendos and charges ran rampant. Rudolf looked pitiful but Christmas went on in the neighborhood. But several nights later my baby Jesus figurine mysteriously disappeared from the manger scene in my front yard! At that point the war was on. Rudolf could deliver without his nose so bright but Christmas can never arrive without the gift of God’s Word made flesh!
Yet, because of the cultural drift toward a materialistic shadow of what this time of the year is supposed to be, many have abandoned the promise of powerful proclamation in churches for the ease of “going along to get along!” Jesus is disappearing from the scene! I pray this will not be true in the AG churches of Georgia. Let us make this time count for God’s Kingdom.

As pastors, we have been charged to “preach the Word” and to “preach the Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.” In the same way, I charge you this Christmas Season to preach “the word made flesh” in the power of the Spirit!

Blessings of Peace and Joy,

Pastor Rick

P.S.  For those who are concerned, Baby Jesus was returned to his manger scene after I announced his abduction from my pulpit but poor Rudolf never fully recovered!

Thanks Giving

i have recently FALLEN IN LOVE AGAIN WITH the collection of pSALMS WHICH ARE COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE sONG OF Ascents. These fifteen psalms cOMPRISe what is quite POSSIBLY THE FIRST HYMNAL and WERE MOST probably sung by Israelite pilgrims en route to the great Feasts of God at Jerusalem. Since the city is situated on an elevation, from any point in Israel one had to ascend when approaching the holy city. Upon arrival, they continue to ascend as worshippers climb the fifteen steps leading from the Court of Women to the Court of Israel in order to offer sacrifices.  As you read through Psalm 120-134 what is noticeable is the progression of the pilgrim’s testimonies as they progress along the way until arrival at their destination.

I was reminded of those testimonies and the steps leading into the Holy Place by many of my Facebook Friends who are doing a 30 Days of “Giving Thanks” approach to our upcoming Feast. It is good to remember the things God has done in our lives.  As Psalm 126 says, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Archeologists have unearthed some of the very steps leading up to the Temple and have discovered an interesting and telling fact. The steps leading up to the House of Worship were not made consistent in size. In fact the treads of the steps vary in width from almost a foot to three feet making it nearly impossible to climb them quickly.  As the pilgrim made his way into the presence of God, because of the construct of the stairs he or she must periodically pause. Most probably, during these pauses came reflection, remembering, and rehearsing (saying out Loud in repetitious manner) the great things God had done, so that their “mouths were filled with laughter” and their “tongues with songs of joy.”

We all need a pause! A holy pause of remembering the great things he has done and rehearsing them so that the community of faith may be built up in Him. That’s Thanksgiving!

I pray that we will all “Enter His Gates” by giving thanks, which because of the goodness of God, will bring the resulting fruit of praise from our lips as we enter into the courts of His near presence!

Pastor Rick Collins