He Became One of Us

Last month, I spent several days on the campus of Duke University on study leave.   One evening, my wife Ann and I made a visit to the Nasher Museum, the art museum on the Duke campus.    Among the exhibitions that the Nasher was offering was on the art of Carlo Dolci, an Italian painter.  Though I certainly would not consider myself one who is well versed in the field of art, I appreciate that field of expression.    One of my former Divinity School professors, Bishop Will Willimon, was there that evening speaking about the work of Dolci through the eyes of faith.    Dolci was not only an accomplished artist, but he was also a devout Christian.  Almost all the art of Dolci that was on exhibit was religious art because that was central not only to Dolci’s art subjects, but it also was the center of Dolci’s life.  

As is often the case, Bishop Willimon offered some insightful comments on the art of Dolci.   As we gazed at a painting of the Christ child and his mother, Mary, he reminded us of how novel if not downright scandalous it was when the Christian faith claimed that God became a human being.    While it is certainly not uncommon for humans to want to play God or to be God, what a peculiar notion in the history of civilization to suggest that a mighty, omnipotent God would become a human being.   Truly, our faith is an incarnational faith.

Amid all that these Advent and December days hold for you, I invite you to contemplate the holy mystery that in the life of Jesus Christ God became one of us.  John 1 declares “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.”    Because God became a human, he is able not only to redeem us but also to understand what it is to live in these flesh and bones.  Thanks be to God.      Have a joy-filled week. -     Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:    O God, I celebrate the wonder and mystery in these days that the Word was made flesh in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly human.  Thank you for the gift of Christ to this world and the gift of Christ for our sins on the cross; through Christ our Lord.   Amen.