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The Word became flesh and made its home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, CEB)

 

Think about the largest gap you've ever felt: maybe the distance between what you said you would do and what you actually did, or the casm between two people who used to be close but are now separated by anger. The greatest gap that ever existed was between a holy, infinite God and us, His finite, flawed creation.

For centuries, God spoke to humanity through prophets, laws, and dreams—all messages sent from a distance. But love demands nearness. Love demands vulnerability. The ultimate statement of God's love for us is the answer to the question: How do you bridge an infinite gap?

The Impossible Bridge

The writer of John gives us the definitive Advent statement: “The Word became flesh and made its home among us.”

The "Word" is the perfect blueprint, the active creative power of God. That power did not shout down commands from the sky; it was wrapped in human skin, vulnerable, and limited to a tiny home and a noisy stable.

This act of Incarnation (God becoming human) is the supreme proof of God's love for us, because it was the ultimate act of vulnerability:

  • He Stepped Down: God gave up the safety and infinite comfort of heaven to experience human life—pain, exhaustion, hunger, and disappointment.

  • He Lived Next Door: God “made its home among us.” This phrase literally means He "pitched His tent" in our neighborhood. He moved in next door to our sin, our suffering, and our everyday messes.

Love Defined by Vulnerability

The purpose of this outrageous act was simple: Love is defined by its willingness to close the distance. God didn't want us to just hear His voice; He wanted us to see His heart. We saw His glory, but it was a glory wrapped in the vulnerability of a newborn.

What does this mean for our lives?

  1. Your Flaws Don't Frighten Him: He saw humanity at its worst and still chose to move in. Your problems don't surprise the God who pitched His tent next to your life.

  2. Love Demands Presence: If God's infinite love required Him to become flesh and live among us, then our human love must also prioritize showing up—being present and vulnerable—for the people in our lives.

  3. The Message is Now Personal: Because the Word became flesh, the message of salvation isn't a distant rumor; it's a personal story lived out by Jesus who fully understands what it is to be human.

This Advent, anchor your understanding of Love in the humble tent pitched in Bethlehem. God's ultimate expression of love was not His power, but His presence.

 

Reflection: What is the biggest distance—physical, emotional, or relational—that you are afraid to close in your life right now? How can you show up and be vulnerable for someone else this week?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for bridging the infinite gap and becoming flesh to live among us. I confess that I often prioritize my own feelings over true presence. Give me the courage to close the distance in my relationship with [a struggling family member, a difficult friend, an estranged neighbor, etc.] and love like You loved. Amen.

Do you ever doubt God's LOVE? He's ready to share His love with you. Need to talk? Schedule a conversation with Pastor Vic. Text COFFEE to 509-509-2231 to set up a time to chat.