“The Word became flesh” (John 1:14)—it’s a simple summary of what Christmas is all about. But it also points us to Easter and everything in between. It’s the miraculous story of how the Word of God came into our flesh and blood, into our hurts and heartaches, into our foolishness and frailty, to live as one of us in order to redeem all of us.

You can get yourself in trouble when you set out to confess the Word of God. Take Stephen, for instance (see Acts 6 & 7). He had a holy calling, yet it was pretty ordinary and mundane. He and six other men had been divinely appointed to relieve the Apostles of waiting on tables, so they could focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.

What is truth? How do you know it? Who gets to determine it? Where does it come from? From morality to mathematics people look for it. From Aristotle to Einstein people contemplate it. From detectives to doctors people are constantly searching for the truth.

That evening at sundown they brought to [Jesus] all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons.  (Mark 1:32-34)

Countless diseased, oppressed, and suffering people were healed and relieved. What was it like to receive instant relief? One moment your back is aching and throbbing, the next there is utter relief. One second your body is riddled by misery and disease, the next you’re healed and made well. One instant the devil is oppressing you, and the next you are free and at peace.  

Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Pet. 4:12).

“Beloved” is a strong word. It includes love, affection, protection, and compassion all rolled into one word. Peter wrote to those who were beloved by God, particularly because so many were enduring suffering on account of the faith and virtuous life they lived in Christ.