Don't we love to use, or overuse, the word literally these days? But how many of our descriptions using that word are really literal (true or actual)? At first glance, our Advent theme seems quite a paradox--impossible to take literally. How could a word become flesh?
In recent years First Baptist Nashville has celebrated Advent by using themes that are instantly understandable: Journey to Bethlehem, for example. But this year our theme, The Word Became Flesh, takes us straight into the deep mystery of the gospel. Despite centuries of scientific advances and intellectual discoveries, we humans--God's creations--will never be equal with Him (see Isaiah 55:8-9). We can never truly understand why He chooses to work among us as He does.
In our most honest moments, however, we understand that we need a Savior. The Bible testifies that God sent Jesus Christ, His only Son, to save us from drowning in sin, living a meaningless existence, and dying to no purpose (see John 3:16-17). Jesus was called the Word because He delivered God's message of hope to us in person (see John 1:1-14). He was born on earth as a literal, fleshly baby--fully divine, yet fully human. We celebrate this event at Christmas. The Word became flesh because God chose that method of revealing His glory and redemptive plan! Though Jesus never sinned, He was tempted (see Matthew 4:1-11). He understands our temptations and our need to live in His light (see Hebrews 2:17-18).
Even in the Old Testament, the Bible presents glimpses of Jesus Christ, such as Job's stirring cry of faith in the Savior to come (see Job 19:25). Also read Daniel 3:8-30 for a thrilling foreshadowing of Christ. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, an unbeliever, saw that although he had ordered three men bound and thrown in a fiery furnace, miraculously there were four in the flames, all unharmed, and "the form of the fourth is like the Son of God" (v. 25, KJV).
So we see that God's design for the Word to become literal flesh was not haphazard but planned centuries in advance, to be fulfilled in God's perfect timing. But how could God's Son willingly leave the perfection of heaven and come to earth to associate with sinners, teach us God's ways, and die an excruciating death on the cross on our behalf? Surely only an all-encompassing love could motivate Him to do so. In Advent, we find joy in realizing and claiming this truth!
How should we respond to such love? Turn away from sin, asking God for forgiveness, and accept the gifts of grace and eternal life Jesus offers you as your Savior (see Acts 16:31; contact any of First Baptist's ministers for further conversation). Put your life into Jesus' hands for safekeeping, declaring Him as your Lord. Live in love as one of the redeemed, following Christ's teachings (see Matthew 28:18-20). Joyfully expect Him to speak to you, help you, and guide you in making life decisions (see Luke 24:32; Hebrews 4:14-16). Know without a doubt that you have chosen the best life has to offer (see Philippians 2:10-11).
And every Advent season, renew your faith in the deep mystery of the gospel--that the Word, Jesus Christ, literally became flesh and now lives in your heart, to God's everlasting glory!
