In the Flesh

John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the Son from the father.”

I am not a very tactile person but even I have found the two metre separation a challenge at times. There have been times when I have wanted to reach out and touch someone to show love, offer comfort or to demonstrate empathy. Zoom church, Zoom meetings and Zoom calls have been welcomed but have also been full of frustrations. I would much rather meet ‘in the flesh’, face to face.

At Christmas, as we remember the birth of Jesus, we reflect on God not only reaching out and touching humanity but becoming human. Jesus is God ‘in the flesh’. When we look at Jesus in the Gospels, we are seeing God. God had a body just like we do. God placed his hands on the children and blessed them, God touched the leper and healed him, and God allowed his hands to be pierced with nails.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Yet, Jesus is now in Heaven and we cannot see or touch God as the children, the leper and the soldiers did.

We can draw comfort from Jesus’ words to the disciples: “However, I am telling you the truth: It’s good for you that I’m going away. If I don’t go away, the Helper won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7

As we remember God becoming flesh this Christmas, may we know God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. Let us pray the Holy Spirit would work within us as we show God’s love and compassion to those who are in need.

Rebecca Palmer, Fundraising and Communications Manager