Day 25

Scripture: John 1:14 — “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Clip: The Chosen Christmas Special (“The Shepherd”) — The nativity, the shepherds’ encounter, Mary cradling the newborn Jesus.

Reflection:

For centuries, “love” was an abstract idea. Christmas is the moment love gets a face. The eternal Word, the Logos who spoke stars into being, became fragile human flesh. The limitless God accepted limitation, “pitching His tent” (dwelling) among us, not as a visitor, but as a resident.This glory wasn’t revealed to the powerful, but to shepherds—the unclean and overlooked.

This redefines glory: it’s not overwhelming power, but vulnerable, self-giving love. We see it in Mary’s gaze and the infant’s tiny hand. All our waiting finds its answer in this Person, Emmanuel. God is with us, not in theory, but in the mess and miracle of our world.

Prayer:

Emmanuel, You are no longer a distant God, but a God with a face, a God who has wept. Thank You for not shrinking from my humanity, but for entering it and making it holy. Let me not just observe this mystery today, but truly see Your glory—the glory of humble, incarnate love. Amen.

Practice:

Light a candle today and sit in quiet gratitude. Whisper thanks for the God who became one of us.

From CCC:
“The Word became flesh so that we might know God’s love.” (CCC 458)

From YOUCAT:
“In Jesus, God’s love has taken on a human face.” (YOUCAT 80)