Monday, November 30

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

THE INCARNATION OF THE WORD OF LIFE

Here is what took place with Jesus the Emmanuel: He came from God and was God Himself—the Word of Life made human flesh, conceived in Mary’s womb. His mother birthed, nursed, and held him the moment he was born. Two parents raised their son in the knowledge of God. He lived as a real man among us. He ate and drank. He felt love, sadness, anger, hope, joy. He died, briefly, but God raised Him from the dead. He appeared to us, risen, having conquered death once and forever. In His resurrected life, we have new life. We are certain.

So many witnesses spoke to Israel about the hope of his coming. Then there were those to whom it was revealed early on that He had arrived: Mary and Joseph, wise men, shepherds. Simeon and Anna in the temple recognized that Jesus was no ordinary Hebrew baby, but rather the promised salvation of God. Were their hearts burning when they first recognized Him?

How do we—as disciples—know? We were there. We’ve seen and touched Him. We’ve heard His story and His words. He’s alive and real. He’s God. We testify to it.

At first we didn’t get it. “You wouldn’t have recognized him either! He walked with us along the road to Emmaus, but it was as if God Himself was closing our eyes! It was Him, He broke bread for us then disappeared.” (In Ceri Richards’ Supper at Emmaus, Jesus looks at the two disciples—and at us, the audience—when He has broken the bread. One of them, let’s say Cleopas, is taken by surprise at the moment of recognition, judging by his posture. The other wrings his hands in front of his face, a simple gesture of awe and awkwardness.) “Were not our hearts burning within us when He was talking to us on the road, while He was opening the scriptures to us?”

In Jesus, God himself stepped into our world, showing himself to our eyes and revealing himself to our minds. One moment, we were alone. The next, God was with us, incarnate deity, manifested in a birth that altered the fabric of reality for humankind. Those who knew Him told us this, because their hearts were burning with passion to proclaim that God had come to us out of love to save us.

How do you respond to God with us? Did your heart burn when you heard Jesus for the first time, or in moments when Jesus is revealed to you? Does it burn when you experience fellowship in Him and with other believers? When your joy in Him is so great it has to be shared?

PRAYER
Jesus who appeared, revealing to me the spiritual life God intends people to have, I acknowledge that You are God. Lord, reveal Yourself to me anew for this season of Advent. Open scriptures to me in an unanticipated way. Surprise me with Your presence. Open my eyes so that I can know You are real. Allow Your spirit to burn warmly in me so that I will find joy in proclaiming to others the new life You’ve promised.
Amen.

Does your heart not burn?

Amy Obrist, Professor of Modern Languages