Author: Connor Guerzini
14 So the Word became flesh and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:14 NLT
Merry Christmas! If you are reading this last devotional for Christmas Day: Congratulations! You made it. As the Scripture proclaims: the Word became flesh and made his home among us.
When I think about home, I think about where my family is. I don’t think about the physical structure of the various houses, or the different towns we have lived in as home. Home is wherever my wife and kids are.
So, home is less about geography and more about relationships.
When Jesus makes his home (or dwelling) among us, he is not proclaiming his ability to reside in Israel, but in his people. Jesus made his home among the people of God. He made his home among YOU!
Today, you may be unwrapping presents, watching football, feasting around a table, or listening to your favorite Christmas tunes. Here is what you need to know: Jesus has made his home among YOU. He is present with you in the activities of the day you celebrate his birth.
This will get nerdy for a second, but bear with me. Christmas is a time we celebrate Jesus coming to make his home amongst us through his birth, but that is not the only meaning of Christmas. Theologians would call this “the inauguration of the kingdom of God.” Think about it like a president taking office on inauguration day. Before that, he was just some guy in the world, now he is the president. The second thing that Christians celebrate during Christmas is the second coming of Christ, or the “consummation of the kingdom of God.” The consummation of the kingdom is awaiting the Arrival of the King, once and for all to make all things right and all things new. He will make his permanent home amongst us, in the new heavens and the new earth.
So today, do this: celebrate, feast, cheer, and hope. Why? Because Jesus has made all things new, and will come again to make all things right in our world. Home isn’t a geographical location, it is a relationship. The question is: will you allow him to make his home amongst you? Will you let him in?
Whether you are a lifelong Christian or exploring the faith, pray this prayer with me on Christmas Day:
Lord Jesus, of all the places you could have made your home, thank you for making it among us. I don’t deserve a relationship with you, but you offer it to me despite my sin. I need your presence to come a dwell with me. Be the Lord over this home this day. I give my life to you because you gave your life for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.