Fri., Dec. 25: Christmas Day

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And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

The gift we receive today is the incarnate Word. Our present is his physical presence. The Lord takes his place among his people; our God is visible, approachable, knowable and familiar. He is not merely in the likeness of the human form. He is truly human. In being born of woman and taking the form of our flesh, he experiences and understands our frailty firsthand and shows us how to love each other despite our imperfections and weaknesses. He reveals to us how the Father’s glory, full of grace and truth, can perfectly dwell within the human vessel — the brightest Christmas light, the shiniest package or the most beautiful carol that remains throughout the year. Jesus, our brother, in taking your place as God’s presence among your people, you’ve revealed God’s love and fidelity in a way more real than we could ever imagine. We are grateful for the moments of grace we experience in your presence.

*Amen.