2 Peter 1 ; John 1:1-18

Scripture -  No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression,
      who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day.  John 1:18

Observation - This is John's "Christmas story" - the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  The Word (Jesus) is "God with us."  John doesn't spend time with a birth narrative, but wants his readers to know from the "get-go" that Jesus and God are one in a very special and unique way.  When we look at Jesus, when we consider his character and his actions, we see into the heart of God.  Who Jesus is, is who God is.

Application - Many people, I believe, see a God who is a god of their creating.  They see a God "that works for them."  That believes what they believe, that has the same values that they do.  It is easy to fall into that trap if we don't take the time to get a clear picture (a picture that we find in Scripture) of who God really is.  Jesus is that picture.  Jesus "this one-of-a-kind God-Expression...has made [God] plain as day."  In Jesus, we see that God is love, but we also see a God who calls us to something greater and is not afraid to challenge any of us to live to a higher standard.  (Read the sermon on the mount in Matthew).

Prayer - Gracious God, thank you for coming into our real, everyday lives in the person of Jesus.  Help us to get to know him better, so we might know you better, and be lifted up to a higher standard of living among of fellow human beings.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.