“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.”
—John 1:14 ESV

There is a moment in the book The Neverending Story when Bastian, the main character, remembers asking his religion teacher if Jesus had ever used the restroom “like an ordinary person.” In response to his question, “the class had howled with laughter, and the teacher, instead of an answer, had given him several demerits for ‘insolence.’”

Jesus did, of course.

Go to the bathroom, I mean.

And that is the glory of the incarnation: he dwelt among us, as one of us.

Born as a baby, he was defenseless and dependent upon his parents.

Not much is told about his childhood because, probably, it was a very normal one. He grew up, played with his friends, learned his father’s trade.

God, rubbing shoulders with his creation.

Not far off, but close.

God with us, dwelling among ordinary people like you and me, making his home in our perfect mess.

Here is a simple prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: God of ordinary people,
Breathe out: Make your home in me.