Creating And Restoring

John 1:1,14 – In the beginning was the Word. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (RSV)

"Baby" was just an idea before I held tiny Katya in my arms. I watched her grow, and taught her what I could. She is 25 now, and finishing a programme at university that will probably take her to far countries.

In Greek, "logos" means "word, reason or idea." God's idea and reason was "said", and the creation of our earth began. In the same way, the Ten Commandments came into being. Later, God sent Gabriel to say to Mary that his idea would be born through her. The same idea, the same reason that God had in the beginning became flesh and dwelt among us.

"God made everything beautiful"; and He restores the damaged into something beautiful. God had an idea, a reason to create and recreate. He is love. Only love persists like this — mending hurts, fixing attitudes, restoring relationships, re-creating peace. In our loving obedience to God's idea, we become part of restoring all things.

This Christmas, let us remember that God sent Jesus to restore all things: our thinking, our behaviour. It was His idea to make everything beautiful, overflowing with beauty. May His Word dwell in us richly.

One more thought: In restoration is rest.

Have a beautiful Christmas!

Prayer: In these days, gracious Lord, restore in us Your image, as we welcome Jesus Christ into our lives, and restore to us the joy of Your salvation. In His name, we pray. Amen.