A word from Rich Dixon:

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Speaking of the characters in the Christmas story, Dick Foth used the word “awestruck.”

Elizabeth and Zechariah. Joseph and Mary. The shepherds. The magi. All received news beyond their comprehension, and were awestruck.

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I’m working my way through Jon’s Advent reader. I do the reading and (usually) write a response. Notice the verbs…work, do, write.

Awe implies a sense of wonder, surprise, and reverence. When was the last time I was awestruck by Jesus? When was the last time I was so overwhelmed by who He is that I just stopped, because nothing I could do or say could match the wonder, surprise, or reverence of the moment?

Perhaps my faith is my worst enemy. I’m so confident in and comfortable with Jesus’ presence, so sure He’s right here, right beside me, right now – that I take Him for granted. I’m absolutely certain I can turn to Him, talk to Him, at any time.

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Most of us think of the Christmas story in Luke 2. Silent Night, Bethlehem, manger, shepherds. Toss in a mean inn manager and some wise men and you’ve got yourself a Christmas pageant.

Maybe, though, as Dr. Foth suggested, we might consider the Christmas story recorded in John 1: 1-14.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (vs 1-3)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (vs 14)

God’s word, spoken into human form, sitting beside me as I write and beside you as you read.

Awestruck.