“The Word Became Flesh And Dwelt Among Us”
SERMON Title: The Word Became Flesh And Dwelt Among Us
SCRIPTURE: John 1:14 ESV
Introduction:
Introduction: A few months ago, London was captivated by the unexpected appearance of new Banksy artworks across the city. One striking piece at a zoo depicted animals breaking free, sparking wonder and conversation. People protected these artworks, cherishing them as rare gifts.
Reflecting on this, I realized how similar it is to Christmas. Just as Banksy surprised London, God did something even more astonishing: He came to dwell among us. God is not distant or uninvolved; He is Emmanuel, 'God with us.' The Creator of the universe, the One beyond time and space, chose to live with us. This reality transforms everything, making the ordinary extraordinary.
The question is: Are we ready to recognize Him, welcome Him, and allow His presence to transform us?
Body: Until Christmas, God's identity remained somewhat hidden. But John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This verse captures the core of the Christmas message: God moved close.
When telling the Christmas story, Matthew begins with Jesus' human genealogy, and Luke starts with angels, Mary, Joseph, and shepherds. But John does something different. He doesn’t start with Jesus’ earthly family—he starts with the origin of humanity itself in Jesus.
John 1:1 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." He speaks with majestic, eternal language to reveal Jesus as more than a teacher, healer, or rabbi. Jesus is God.
John 1:4-5 continues, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." But then, in verse 14, John shares the staggering truth: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
Let’s break this verse into three key reflections:
The Word Jesus is described as the Logos, the Word of God. This term means more than spoken words—it conveys reason, logic, and ultimate truth. Jesus is the clearest revelation of who God is. When God wanted to reveal Himself, He spoke a Word, and that Word is Jesus Christ.
You can learn about God from creation, but if you want to know Him definitively, look at Jesus. Jesus is God made clear to us.
The Word Became Flesh John says, "The Word became flesh." Notice, the Word didn’t become a religious system, a theological checklist, or a political movement. God didn’t send an idea or philosophy—He sent Himself.
The Word became vulnerable. God came as a baby, not as a powerful adult. The Defender of the weak became weak. The One who holds everything together needed to be held.
Jesus knows human suffering. Have you been rejected, broken, or abandoned? Jesus understands. He didn’t stay distant; He came close. Come to Him, because He knows your pain intimately.
The Word Dwelt Among Us The word “dwelt” here means tabernacled. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle represented God’s presence among His people. Now, Jesus Himself is that presence.
God doesn’t just occupy space. He moves close. He doesn’t live anonymously in the neighborhood; He desires relationship. Christianity isn’t about our pursuit of God but about God’s relentless pursuit of us.
In Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, God stretches every muscle to reach Adam, while Adam barely lifts a finger. That’s us—God reaches for us while we remain hesitant. Yet, He still comes.
"The Word dwelt among us." Who is "us"? Sinners, rebels, those who fall short—and yet, God chooses to dwell with us.
Søren Kierkegaard said there’s an infinite distinction between God and humanity, yet God can’t get enough of us. What love!
The Invitation of Christmas The invitation of Christmas is simple yet profound: Would you open your heart to Him? This isn’t about religion or ritual; it’s about relationship.
Your heart might feel crowded, hardened, or weary, but Jesus comes into our mess, our brokenness, and our doubts. He doesn’t wait for us to be perfect.
This invitation is also communal. Will we, as a church, welcome Christ into our homes, families, and communities? Imagine the healing, peace, and love that could flow if we fully embraced His presence.
So, will you open the door of your heart? He’s already near, knocking gently and waiting patiently.
Reflection and Response Close your eyes and reflect on this truth: "The Word became flesh and made His home among us." He came to rescue, forgive, and give life.
This Christmas, would you let Him dwell in your heart, your home, and your community? Take a moment to respond in your heart, and then I’ll close us in prayer.
Amen.