God Dwelt Among Us

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (John 1:1 ESV).

Attracted by the store sign “Puppies For Sale: $30 to $50” a little boy asked the store owner if he could see the puppies.

The store owner whistled and from the kennel out came a lady dog followed by five (5) beautiful puppies. However, one puppy was lagging behind, limping.  Immediately the little boy asked, “What is wrong with that puppy?”

The store owner explained that the pup was born with a defective hip socket. It would always be lame.

That is the little puppy that I want to buy,” said the boy.

The store owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. But if you really want him, I’ll give him to you.

The little boy got quite upset. He told the store owner,  “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. I have only $2.75 now, and I will give it to you and pay you 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”

But this little dog will never be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies,” the store owner countered.

The little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied,

Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!

That day the little boy bought that pup and came back every month until the now dog was paid off. (Author unknown).

Like that lame puppy we, too, need someone who understands and loves us.  More than that we need someone who is able to free us from the power of sin, death, Satan and hell.

 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14a)

Jesus, the Second Person of the Triune God, left the splendor of heaven and entered our world out of great love for us.  In becoming fully human Jesus experienced hunger, pain, sadness and rejection. Thus, He fully understands our joys and struggles, just like that boy with the crippled leg who understood the lame puppy. 

The Lord Jesus valued us so dearly that He paid the full price – His own life — for our redemption.  By God’s grace through faith in Him we become adopted children of God and heirs to eternal life. Praise be to God!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, how comforting it is to know that unworthy as we are, You chose to become a Man so that you can join us in our joys and challenges and redeem us. We give you all the praise and thanks!  Amen.

Reflection:  

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight,” says the lyrics of a Christmas hymn.  Is there anyone you know who may be going through loneliness or some fear this Christmas season?  What practical steps can you make to help?

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