Here the Word became flesh

May it be done to me according to your word

The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth is built over the site of what is believed to be the home of the Virgin Mary.   In the lower level of the church is an altar with the Latin inscription Verbum caro hic factum est:   “Here the Word became flesh.”

Here.

The Incarnation happened here, in a small town in Galilee.   That inscription tells us that God became a man at a specific moment in time.   He entered into the history of the human race, and his birth, death, and resurrection changed the course of history forever.

But think of this:

Jesus also had a personal history.   The moment Mary said her fiat, the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, and Jesus began growing in her womb.   Mary gave birth to him and nursed him at her breast.   He was surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.   He learned his first words from his parents.   He followed in Joseph’s footsteps and became a carpenter.   He went to the synagogue each Sabbath and sat at the feet of rabbis.

You have a personal history as well—and because Jesus has become flesh, he has entered into that history.   He lives in you—all the time!

Jesus is here with you as you read these words.   He was with you when you woke up this morning, and he will be with you when you go to sleep tonight.   He goes to work with you, and he cares for your family.   Through every joy and sorrow of life, through every major and minor event, in all of your prayers for help and all of your words of praise and thanksgiving, he is there.   And because he lives in you, he is present to everyone around you.   He reaches out in love to everyone you encounter each day.

This is what our God has done for you.   He will continue to do it for every person who says yes to God, as Mary did, until he comes again.   So on this glorious feast, tell Jesus how grateful you are for his coming to earth, and for living his own personal history—and yours!

Word Among Us