“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
-John 1:14 (KJV)
For centuries, the nation of Israel awaited the coming Messiah who would bring the Kingdom of God and make things right in the world. Despite pain, persecution, and setbacks, they persevered because their hope was grounded in the promises of God.
Israel’s wait was finally over when the Messiah, Jesus, arrived. However, Jesus did not come as many expected—in a grand procession or with a large army behind Him. Instead, He arrived quietly in the stillness of the night, as a baby, in a little town called Bethlehem.
But in a surprise twist, this newborn was not only the Messiah who would free God’s people from their sins, but God Himself. John tells us that “the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Word exists eternally, but for a time took on human form and lived among people.
Jesus began His earthly ministry in the most humble way—by coming as a baby. But it’s through the person of Jesus that we see the glory of God. Paul says in Colossians, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” (Colossians 2:9)
The miracle of Jesus being born is that He was fully God and fully human, full of both grace and truth. Jesus came from the Father’s glory, but took on human form so that He could live His life on our behalf.
Jesus’ ministry on earth can be categorized by these two words: grace and truth. Jesus gave grace to people through the forgiveness of sins, but He also brought truth through His teachings and announcements.
All of us who believe in Christ have received both grace and truth from Him. We have been given a second chance at life because of the forgiveness of our sins, and we are saved from eternal separation from God because of the truths we believe.
SHARE YOUR FAITH!
Like Jesus, we are called to model grace and truth to a world that desperately needs both.
LET US PRAY!
God, sometimes we struggle to ourself grace. It can be hard to forgive ourself for the regrets we have, but we know that You have forgiven us. Your truth leads us to grace. Thank You for modeling both so that we can dothe same.
In Jesus’ name.
AMEN!
