He Pitched a Tent!

"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." John 1:14

This time of year it is pretty easy to get caught up in the gifts, decorations, parties, and even the food. I think we often look past the real meaning of the Christmas season. I've been thinking a lot about what the "real" meaning of this season is and I believe I came across it yesterday. Our Pastor shared John 1:14 in his message. He spoke for a few minutes about one very important word in that verse. The word is DWELLING or to DWELL. I've never thought much about what the word means but knowing the meaning really makes the verse stand out. 

The word in Hebrew is kataskénoó. Its literal meaning is to pitch a tent. Ok, so just hang in there while I try to explain why this blows my mind! To John's readers, pitching a tent would have had a lot of significance. Throughout their history they were traveling and pitching their tents in different locations together as a people, as a family. They ate together, talked together, and loved one another in those tents. So, for the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the One that the wind and the rain obey to humble himself and come down to dwell with them, would be absolutely amazing. Jesus didn't just come to be born as a baby and immediately go back home. He didn't just show up on the scene one day, die on the cross, and then go back to heaven. Jesus came and dwelt (pitched a tent) with these people. He ate with them, talked with them, enjoyed life with them, shared sorrow with them, healed them and loved them. What amazes me even more is that when Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us. He dwelt with the people of that day in person and He dwells with us in Spirit.

So, for me, this is what Christmas is all about. The Word became a baby and grew into a man and would die for my sins and yours. Jesus lived 33 years among the people. He joked with them and cried with them. He gave life to them and died for them. He didn't have to do that. He loved us so much that He was willing to step down from His throne and be born in a manger. He loved us so much that He was willing to pitch in tent on the earth He created. And He offers His Spirit to dwell within us each and everyday so that we might have a relationship with the God of the Universe. What an amazing gift!

Today I am thankful that Jesus pitched his tent so long ago in Bethlehem. I am thankful that He has pitched his tent in my heart. If Jesus isn't dwelling within your heart today, please welcome Him in. Allow Him to pitch His tent...you'll never be the same! 

Merry Christmas!