The Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14
In the Book of Genesis, we read the story of Abraham. God called Abraham to a new land and a new relationship. Even though he did not know his precise destination, Abraham obeyed God and stepped out in faith. Several times in the story, we're told that Abraham "pitched his tents" as he moved from place to place.
I always assumed that living in tents was simply an indication of Abraham's nomadic culture. But more than that, it seems to me that living in tents also reminds us that we are always on journey, always ready to keep moving, not yet at home. Tents are not permanent, and the image of living in tents is a good reminder that the people of God are not home.
At least, not yet.
I always assumed that living in tents was simply an indication of Abraham's nomadic culture. But more than that, it seems to me that living in tents also reminds us that we are always on journey, always ready to keep moving, not yet at home. Tents are not permanent, and the image of living in tents is a good reminder that the people of God are not home.
At least, not yet.
John 1:14 tells the Christmas story with just a few words. We're told, first, that the Word (Christ) became flesh. And then we're told that he "made his dwelling among us." The Greek word that is translated "made his dwelling" literally means "pitched his tent." Christ took on human form and pitched his tent among us. In a physical sense, his time here on earth was temporary, and then he returned to his true home. And it is his current home - and our future home - that draws us even now. One day, we will be with him. One day, we will finally be home. And we won't be living in tents anymore.
The wonder of the story is that Christ was willing to pitch his tent among us. It is pure grace that he was willing to leave his home - in order to make it possible for us to have a home with him forever. That's the heart and soul of the Christmas story.
Our part in that story is to follow the example of Abraham: to be willing to hear and respond to God's call, to be willing even to leave family and friends, to be willing to journey with God wherever God leads. Even as we do that, we long for the day when we will finally be home.
The words of Sharlande Sledge capture the image well:
The wonder of the story is that Christ was willing to pitch his tent among us. It is pure grace that he was willing to leave his home - in order to make it possible for us to have a home with him forever. That's the heart and soul of the Christmas story.
Our part in that story is to follow the example of Abraham: to be willing to hear and respond to God's call, to be willing even to leave family and friends, to be willing to journey with God wherever God leads. Even as we do that, we long for the day when we will finally be home.
The words of Sharlande Sledge capture the image well:
Once we were in familiar territory.
But now God has called us out and away from home.
We do not know where God is leading.
We often wander about in our own land without bread, a roof, a map.
And without a guide, we are not sure where to go.
Do you see the Light?
Do you see it beckoning you forward, calling you away and home again?
It is the Light of God, shining for you.
Journeying God, pitch you tent with us,
so that we may not become deterred by unfamiliar landscapes
and detours in the road.
Through your Word, give us strength to continue our pilgrimage,
searching for the Light to guide the way.
But now God has called us out and away from home.
We do not know where God is leading.
We often wander about in our own land without bread, a roof, a map.
And without a guide, we are not sure where to go.
Do you see the Light?
Do you see it beckoning you forward, calling you away and home again?
It is the Light of God, shining for you.
Journeying God, pitch you tent with us,
so that we may not become deterred by unfamiliar landscapes
and detours in the road.
Through your Word, give us strength to continue our pilgrimage,
searching for the Light to guide the way.
Tents are fine for the short-term. But one day, we will be home. And we won't need to live in tents any longer.