The Word

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (ESV)

Λόγος or Logos: (Greek) simply translated as “word;” the source of divine reason and creative order; the unique personification of God as Jesus, the Messiah; the Word with a capital “w,” as described in John 1:1.

In the beginning was the Λόγος. He was with God. He was God. He was there when the world was made, orchestrating, planning, and creating. Found within Him was abundant life like no other, light brighter than any darkness that dared to snuff it out, the key to redemption from sin and shame.

 The Word was hinted at, prophesied about, and even seen through fiery flames in the book of Daniel (see Daniel 3:25). His presence and glory are woven all throughout the narrative of the Israelites in the Old Testament, actively working behind the scenes as the masterful story of mankind was written.

But then, as cries came from the baby born in the manger, something new happened. “The Word became flesh,” says John 1:14, and He “dwelt among us.” Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, the Λόγος, was physically here with us. The long-awaited Savior was finally on Earth- it was at this moment that everything changed.

Prior to this point, we had seen the Lord dwell in tabernacles and temples, but in the very instant that Jesus came onto the scene, a physical tent as described in Exodus (chapters 25–31; 35–40) was replaced with a tabernacle of flesh and bone. Here, in his temporary earthly body, the Word was truly dwelling among us, walking as we walk, experiencing temptation as we do, teaching, healing, and preparing to take on our sin, just as he was prophesied to.

There is so much comfort in knowing that the one we place our hope in is not new to the scene. We do not serve an elusive and passive redeemer- in fact, the exact opposite is true. Jesus Christ is present and active! He was there in the moment you were created, is right beside you throughout your trials and heartache, and desires to welcome each of you into eternity the day He calls you home.

Jesus Christ- his birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection- was God’s final word (see Hebrews 1:1-4). The climax of all mankind is found in the Word made flesh. Everything God is, everything the world was longing for, the answer to all our strife is found in the God-man, Jesus, the Λόγος.

This Christmas season, may we fix our eyes upon the Word, He who was, is, and always will be. Praise be to God alone for his abundant mercy in allowing the Word to be made to dwell with us and accomplish everything we so desperately failed at. May our souls magnify the Final Word who came to us in a lowly manger, soon to take on the cross that was too heavy for us to bear, so we, too, may one day dwell with Him in paradise.