December 14
John 1:1-8
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
Word Becoming Flesh
by Doug Weaver, Ph.D.
Early Christianity rejected the idea of just having one gospel book with one perspective on Jesus. Our biblical canon has four gospels: Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. When Advent is celebrated, that means we read Matthew for the story of Joseph’s obedience and the mysterious number of magi bringing royal gifts to the baby Jesus, and we read Luke for Mary’s song (she did know, though the tune is quite catchy) announcing God’s concern for the poor and dethroning of the proud and the account of the lowly shepherds being the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus. Mark doesn’t even have a Christmas story. Take that, Hallmark! Mark seems so interested in Jesus being the divine man headed to the cross that the story is a one-year fast-paced adult journey to Calvary in Jerusalem. And then we have John.
It’s possible to say that John, like Mark, did not see the need to have a nativity story. But perhaps John is saying if you are really going to understand Advent that culminates in the celebration of Christmas, we have to go back to the foundation of all those stories. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And that Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Advent is about Incarnation. Emmanuel. God with us, full of grace and truth for us. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, is what provides light and life eternal.
Have you ever heard the story of the young child who gets afraid of hearing storms at night (Madeleine L’Engle). The child keeps begging her mother to stay with her to take away her fear. The mother decides to pull a power play and bring God into the discussions. She says, "sweetie, you will be ok. God is with you. God will protect you. There is no need to fear.” And the child responds, “I know God is here, but I need a God with some skin on.”
John is telling us that the Incarnation is the ultimate gift of God’s presence - a God seen and heard, with skin to identify with, to trust and follow, because he has identified with us in order to save us. As one early Christian said it, he healed that which he assumed. That’s the story of an Incarnation that brings light to a world enmeshed in fears. The Word was with God, and the Word was God, and that Word became flesh – start with that this Advent.
About the Author
Doug Weaver, Ph.D.
Doug Weaver, Ph.D., serves as the Barbara Jo Beard Driskell Professor of Historical Studies and the Chair of Baylor University’s Department of Religion. He came to Baylor in 2003 and is a member of the Department's Historical Studies area. His current research and teaching focus is on Baptist history and Pentecostalism. Dr. Weaver teaches at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He offers graduate seminars, supervises doctoral students and gives attention to an introductory undergraduate Christian heritage course
His most recent publications include books, Baptists and the Holy Spirit: The Contested History with the Holiness-Pentecostal-Charismatic Traditions, and Different and Distinctive But Nevertheless Baptist. A History of Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson, MS. His most recent journal article is “Slavery, the Confederacy, and the Origins of Baylor University” which appeared in Perspective in Religious Studies. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church and has pastoral experience. Dr. Weaver and his wife, Pat, are native Virginians, and together, they have two children, both Baylor graduates, and five grandchildren. Dr. Weaver is a lifelong devoted fan of the New York Yankees.