Reflection: Thirty-some years of body

There’s a world of glory and pain between the first Christmas and Easter.

There’d be no point in either if it weren’t for the 30-some years lived between the two.

For 30-some years Christ camped among us.

Reminiscent of that vision of Eden, for 30-some years he was at home in a body-unashamed, transparently displaying the glory of his Father.

“Jesus, the Word-child, learns to walk on this great green earth, and the Spirit lights up the scene, descending as a dove to abide with him every step of the way.”*

Mankind had longed for a perfect body-substitute to recreate humanity afresh in the image of God.

And here he is. (Ironic that most didn’t recognise him.)

For 30-some years, ‘tempted in every way…’ (Hebrews 4:15), but defying sin, the world and the devil.

For 30-some years ‘He became what we are, that we might become what he is.’**

* Dr. Jeannine Hanger

**Athanasius

Prayer:

Christ Jesus, your life displayed the Father, so we know what is worthy of worship.

You displayed yourself, so we know how to worship. 

You displayed the Spirit, so we know your power and our potential/our true image. 

30-some years of godly character on display that we might wait, wonder and worship.

This is your body. Thank you. Thank you.