“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. -John 1:14
Sit with these words. Do we truly grasp the profound weight of this sentence?
I know this week is Thanksgiving, and you may be wondering why I’m choosing to reflect on this passage instead of one of the many Scriptures on gratitude. But the truth is, this should point us to gratitude.
Yes, I am thankful for my husband, children, our home, and all of the ways the Lord provides. But Thanksgiving is also a time to meditate on the greatest gift of all: that Jesus chose to dwell among us.
He left glory. He left heaven.
He put on human flesh to step into our brokenness and redeem us.
Jesus, fully God and fully man, entered life as a vulnerable infant. The One who breathed life into His mother needed to be fed, carried, and comforted — pause and think about that, it is mind-blowing! He came willingly, knowing many would reject Him. Our heavenly Father orchestrated redemption knowing that many would never accept this gift, and yet He did it anyway. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
As a mother, I cannot imagine giving up my son(s) for anyone, especially for those who would mistreat or reject him. But God did.
Stop and think about the love and humility of Christ. He set aside majesty and glory, stepping away from the perfection and comfort of heaven; to experience hunger, fatigue, grief, temptation (yet without sin), and rejection. Friend, He knows firsthand the pain, struggle, and difficulty we face. He came to relate to us, walk with us, and ultimately die for us.
This is humility.
This is love.
This is the heart of Thanksgiving.
And yet we find it difficult to prioritize Him and put him first in our lives.
Lord, forgive us…
Let your gratitude this week flow first from the humility, love, and sacrifice of Jesus, who left Glory so we could be restored. May this be part of our conversation at the dinner table this Thanksgiving, as we share what we are thankful for.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for leaving the majesty and glory of heaven to live the human experience, suffer well, and give Your life for us. Help us never take the gift of salvation for granted. Stir our hearts to share Your love boldly, spread the good news of the gospel, and reflect Your humility daily. As we celebrate with family and friends, may our gratitude be rooted in the wonder that You dwelt among us.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
One Response
Thank you for your insight.