God Came In Person

“Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment.” Psalm 104:1-2

This may be what the shepherds saw when they encountered Baby Jesus. Angels appeared to them and told them, “I have good news.”  Imagine that. The angels said there is good news of great joy that on that very day when the angels appeared, a savior was born. (Lk 2:8-11)

When they heard the good news, the shepherds hurried to see him, and when they did, what they saw is something like what the psalmist says - splendor, majesty, light. If you have ever had the great joy of having a newborn baby, you will know. Your baby may be in a hospital swaddling clothes, yet your little one is radiant - a miracle!

So many words are said this time of year. So many articles, books, and songs have been written about God coming to us in Jesus, and yet no words can contain it or fully explain it. It is a mystery; a miracle. You have to experience it. You have to hear the good news and hurry to embrace it. God came to the world  - to you, to me - in person. No Zoom. No podcast. No secret package by the front door. No text or beautifully designed card with greetings. God came in person.

Let that sink in. God came in person. People looked him in the eye. People touched his garment. People heard his voice. People heard his laugh. People felt his hands as he washed their feet. People smelled the sweet aroma of his presence. People were amazed by his teaching, comforted by his compassion, and healed by his care. He was kind and gentle. He was wise and powerful, able to calm any storm. People went to great lengths to be with him. Some climbed trees and changed their life by making whatever they had done wrong right.

Even though he wore a simple cloak, it was as if he wrapped himself in light as with a garment. It was as if he were clothed with splendor and majesty. When people were with him, their hearts burned within them. Something came alive within them and among them. God came in person to our world, and as a result, we can enter his world. When we are with Him, we experience a thrill of hope. With Him, a weary world rejoices. With Him, it becomes possible to be who you are and live the life you hope for. With Him, there is rest for your soul - peace.

So listen right now. Let the words of the angel speak to you: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news, that will cause great joy for all people…a Savior has been born.” Believe it. Hurry to embrace it. Let the reality of it hit you today - God came in person. The world means that much to Him. You mean that much to him.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory.”

John 1:14