The Word Became Flesh

God became man to save us from ourselves.

December’s Awakening, Day 24

Even when a baby seen in swaddling clothes at the bosom of the Virgin who bore him, Christ still filled the whole creation as God and was co-regent with his Father—for deity is measureless, sizeless, and admits no bounds.

 —Cyril of Alexandria

He was created of a mother whom he created. He was carried by hands that he formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, he the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.

 —Augustine of Hippo

Mary’s Song—The Magnificat

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”  Luke 1:46–55 NIV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1, 14 NIV

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary, Did You Know?” (lyrics by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry). Obviously, it is impossible for a man to comprehend carrying God within you for nine months and giving birth to Him in the flesh and gazing upon His face and eyes. Difficult to imagine for any woman too, I would presume, and caring for this miraculous infant who looks back at you and reaches out to you and cries out for help. Impossible to imagine that this little bundle of joy came to save the very one holding Him and all of humanity. How overwhelmed, astonished, and filled with unspeakable joy and wonder Mary must have been! Yes, Mary knew.

“Mary, Did You Know?”

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God

Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know

Song lyrics by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry