12-28-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 28, 2024
1st John was not written until the late 90’s, maybe even around 100AD—so about 70 years after Jesus. Right at the beginning of the Epistle, we read: “… what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have seen and our hands handled, about the word of life…” The person writing those words probably did not see or touch the word of life, in the sense of being present with Jesus during his ministry. For this reason, we can only assume that when the author wrote about seeing and handling in regard to the life that was revealed, s/he is referring to the Spirit-filled Body of Christ, the church. We’ve just concluded celebrating Christmas, and though the events we commemorate are two millennia old, we frequently speak of them in the present tense. To some, this may seem peculiar, but it stems from the belief that the word of life is not merely a historical occurrence. What happened in the manger is not limited to a specific manger in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. The incarnate word continues to manifest, be encountered, and be touched within the Body of Christ, including Cypress Creek Christian Church. 

O Father, whose eternal life manifested in humanity, we are filled with immense joy for the profound love you have bestowed upon us. May we persistently strive to embody your life and boundless love in every moment of life. Amen.