December 17, 2004

Earth Walk

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. —John 1:14

Bible In One Year: Amos 7-9; Revelation 8

After the Apollo XV mission, Colonel James Irwin related some of the high points of his experience. He told of their weightless bodies floating free in the space capsule, the rising crescent of the earth as seen from the moon, and the triumphal splashdown before a watching world.

Irwin also spoke of the impact the experience had on his spiritual life. He said that from the lunar surface he sensed both the glory of God and the plight of earthbound man. As he came back to earth, he realized he couldn't content himself with being merely a celebrity. He would have to be a servant, telling his fellowman of a better way to live. Irwin concluded by saying that if we think it a great event to go to the moon, how much greater is the wonder that God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ!

Because man walked on the moon, science and technology have made tremendous advances. But because God walked on earth, we know both our origin and our destiny. We can know our Creator personally (John 1:1,14,18), and we can live in His light (v.9). Through Jesus' sinless life and sacrificial death, we can know the joy of having our sins forgiven and experience the fullness of an abundant life—all because God walked on the earth. —Mart De Haan

Down from His glory, ever-living story,
My God and Savior came, and Jesus was His name.
Born in a manger, to His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears, and agony. —Booth-Clibborn

God made His home with us so that we might make our home with God.

Advent Hymn of Praise

Of the Father's Love Begotten
By: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens

Of the Father's love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending he,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

Oh, that birth forever blessed,
When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Spirit conceiving,
Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world's redeemer,
First revealed his sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

Christ, to thee, with God the Father
And the Holy Spirit to thee
Hymn and chant and high Thanksgiving
And unending praises be
Honor, glory, and dominion
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Of The Father's Love Begotten
John Michael Talbot click above to listen