From the UCC Network: Devotional for 01/02/11 "The Word Became Flesh"

The Word Became Flesh

Excerpt from John 1: 10 – 18

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”

Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson

In Wendell Berry’s novel, Jayber Crow, the main character reflects on a favorite theme of preachers and teachers at the schools where he was sent as an orphan.

“Everything bad was laid on the body, and everything good was credited to the soul. It scared me a little when I realized I saw it the other way around. If the soul and body were really divided, then it seemed to me that all the worst sins—hatred and anger and self-righteousness, even greed and lust— came from the soul. But these preachers I’m talking about all thought the soul could do no wrong, but always had its face washed and its pants on and was in agony over having to associate with flesh and the world. And yet these preachers believed in the resurrection of the body.”

Far from being “in agony over having to associate with flesh and the world,” the Christmas story tells us that the Word was made flesh. Which means that here, in this world, amid its messiness and humanity, God has chosen to dwell and be revealed.

Sometimes we, like the preachers Jayber heard, imagine that being Christian means getting away from this world and from our mortal bodies to an imagined spiritual place or to a nipped-and-tucked reality. Yet while we were on the “up” escalator, God in Christ has passed us going down. Look for God in this world, amid its brokenness and beauty. That’s where God has chosen to dwell. 

Prayer

Emmanuel, Jesus, sometimes we try to out-spiritual you. But you do not call us out of this world but more deeply into it. Help me to follow you here. Amen.

About the Author Tony Robinson, a United Church of Christ minister, is a speaker, teacher and writer. His most recent book isChanging the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations. Read his weekly reflections on the current lectionary texts atwww.anthonybrobinson.com.

Daily Prayer - 01/02/2011

"Day of Days"
Time for a Shout-Out

It’s a New Year – 2011 – and it’s a new year – the big “61” for me, today. As I face both at this time of the year my day is spent both reviewing the past and looking ahead to the future (birthdays will do that to you). And with each passing year I find this “day of days” becomes more important each time it comes around.

REFLECTION:   It is a time of remembering; all the events of my life that I can recall from all those days of growing up. Lots of great memorable moments, to be sure; family, friends, colleagues, anniversary dates which mark the turning points on life’s pilgrimage. On the other side, however, there were those often life-changing moments that weren’t so great, which leads to prayers of confession for wrong roads taken, and wrong deeds done; for decisions made that cannot be undone, no matter how much I may try. Certainly also, confessions for the many acts I should have done, and didn’t, along with words that should have been spoken, and weren’t. So, this “day of days” is one of seeking forgiveness, which is an spiritual undertaking that I pray will also facilitate a shaping of the future before me.

ENVISIONING:   This time of my year is also a time for visioning what may yet be before me on my continued life journey; which also means that it is a time of lifting up all my hopes for the new year, and all the remaining years, ahead. There will be lovely and enjoyable events, along with unforeseen trials and pain. What they will be remains to be played out as I encounter each new sunrise; one day at a time. And so my prayers are prayed for the strength, wisdom and courage to face them unafraid, and with complete trust in my God, who watches over my every breath.

Through whatever may have happened in years gone by, or through whatever may transpire on life’s daily sojourn in the new year ahead, that which I will proclaim each new morning and evening is my praise and thanksgiving to the One who journey’s each moment of those days with me. For my God – our God – is the faithful presence who, in all gracious mercy, scrubs clean our imperfect past, and who also promises us anew each moment of each day to lead us into a new and glorious future, if we can just find the faith to believe and to follow.

As I spend this “day of days” reflecting and envisioning, I will also be spending time in thankful devotion, as did my ancestors of so long ago. “Shout out with praise and joy” to the One who can make this the most fulfilling of new year’s ever. Return home this year, to the Lord your God.

7 Now this is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Israel … Shout out with praise and joy: ‘Save your people, O Lord, the remnant of Israel!’8 For I will bring them from the north and from the distant corners of the earth. I will not forget the blind and lame, the expectant mothers and women in labor. A great company will return!9 Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my oldest child. 10 “Listen to this message from the Lord, you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coast-lands: The Lord, … will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock.11 For the Lord has redeemed Israel from those too strong for them.12 They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts— the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the healthy flocks and herds. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone.13 The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.14 The priests will enjoy abundance, and my people will feast on my good gifts. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Jer 31:7-14 (NLT)

Rev. Michael Kirchhoff