December 8: The Word Became Flesh
♫ Music:
Day 9—Monday, December 8
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
THE WORD BECAME FLESH
Today’s stories pale in comparison. The eternal Word of God, the Word through which all things were made, became flesh, put on skin! This birth was much like ours but altogether unlike it; the Word was born into flesh but not of flesh. This birth happened quietly, inconspicuously, in a trough. The Almighty became weak and vulnerable. There is little news in world history fit to print next to the incarnation, the turning point of the universe.
Today’s glories pale in comparison. The Word dwelt, or tabernacled, among us. No longer did an architectural structure limit the people of God from the presence of God. The presence of God, the radiance of the glory of God, the exact imprint of the nature of God, was seen and heard, held and touched. There is little glory greater to behold than God’s dwelling with man.
To rescue the biologically living, yet spiritually dead, the Spiritual life of God became biological and died. Though we were not from God, we who enter into Christ’s life by faith are resurrected by the Spirit and brought into His nature. The law demands righteousness and condemns us; grace gives righteousness and sets us free.
Our Father, help us to see ourselves as we are, vulnerable, poor children. Thank you for becoming like us, for becoming our nature, and for giving us the gift of faith. Help us remember and treasure your condescension for us, that we may condescend like Christ unto the world, helping others see grace and truth. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Hannah Varamini and Behzad Varamini, Professor of Biological Science
Circumcision of Christ
The Workshop of Bellini
c. 1500
National Gallery, London
Oil on wood
About the Artist and Art
Giovanni Bellini (1430 – 1516) was the most famous in a family of Venetian Renaissance painters. He was a pioneer in Italian Renaissance methods and is known for his use of natural light, rich color, and naturalistic style. A popular and prosperous artist, Bellini was the conservator of paintings in the Hall of the Great Council in Venice after 1479 until his death. Most of his works were of a biblical or religious nature; he painted altarpieces for churches all over Italy and other scenes, particularly of Madonnas, as commissions for individuals and families. His studio included pupils who later went on to surpass their master, such as Giorgione and Titian. Bellini likely developed the original horizontal layout of this Circumcision painting, but it has been lost; the earliest example we have is thought to be from his workshop.
About the Music
Good is the Flesh Lyrics
Good is the flesh that the Word has become,
Good is the birthing, the milk in the breast,
Good is the feeding, caressing and rest,
Good is the body for knowing the world,
Good is the flesh that the Word has become.
Good is the body for knowing the world,
Sensing the sunlight, the tug of the ground,
Feeling, perceiving, within and around,
Good is the body, from cradle to grave,
Good is the flesh that the Word has become.
Good is the body, from cradle to grave,
Growing and aging, arousing, impaired,
Happy in clothing, or lovingly bared,
Good is the pleasure of God in our flesh,
Good is the flesh that the Word has become.
Good is the pleasure of God in our flesh,
Longing in all, as in Jesus, to dwell,
Glad of embracing, and tasting, and smell,
Good is the body, for good and for God,
Good is the flesh that the Word has become.
About the Composer
Jonathan Alfred Clawson Redford (b. 1953) has been writing music for film and television, concert halls, chamber artists, choral ensembles, and the theater since 1976. His music has been performed by ensembles, choirs, and artists all over the world, and his film and television credits as a composer and orchestrator are extensive.
http://www.jacredford.com/
About the Lyricist
Brian Wren (b. 1936) is Professor Emeritus of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He has published several hymn collections totaling over 250 hymns since the ‘80s. His poems have been translated into Finnish, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Korean.
http://www.praisepartnersworship.com/