John 1
The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This year our church is having what I'm pretty sure is our first Christmas in July celebration. Christmas in July obviously is not a real holiday, but it's one that's become quite special to me. Every year it appears that Christmas becomes a bit more commercial, and a bit more hectic. Christmas in July is an attempt to celebrate Christ's birth minus the maxed-out credit cards, wintery weather, full calendar, and maddening rush that occurs between Thanksgiving and December 25th. It is simply to be the "Word become flesh" celebrated at a different time, in addition to the traditional time. I am excited about it, for a few reasons.
1) Christ incarnate is exciting any time of the year, not just in winter
2) I'm happy to celebrate Christmas without a shopping list in my hand (maybe you can do that in December, but I can't - Lord, help me, I'm not "There" yet.).
3) I can use the hope and joy that is Christmas at any time, in any season.
So, I'd encourage you, don't wait to celebrate. If you are struck with the awesomeness of the idea of God becoming flesh, celebrate it where you stand. If the glory and grace of Easter strikes your heart in November, by all means, paint some eggs. God will not be offended. Celebrate as often as you can, whenever you can.
