What does it mean that Jesus, Son of God, came in the flesh – that he was born as a baby, grew into a man, and died? The fact that he entered this world means that Christianity is not a religion of theology; while it helps us understand truth, it’s not what is most important. As I look to Jesus, I see that he lived out all the truths we try to encapsulate in theology. In the process, I am starting to learn that my story, my flesh, my living out is also a witness to him, more than any words I could say or theology I could recount.

For a long time, I wanted to talk about God and Jesus, but not myself. I thought John the Baptist’s words, “He must become greater; I must become less,” (John 3:30) meant that I should fade into the background and let Jesus shine through me. While that’s partially true, I’m now seeing it differently. I’ve been realizing that I let Jesus shine through me by being who he made me to be, not by becoming invisible.

 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

We are jars of clay; we are not translucent bubbles. Clay has form and substance. Just as handmade pottery is unique, we are all unique creations from the master’s hand, and each shaped for a purpose. Every one of us can shine His glory is our own special way.

Christ took on flesh to live out his Father’s will, becoming a man with a body to walk this earth for thirty three years. (For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:38) Then he assigned his followers to become his flesh, his body, to walk on the earth and live out his Father’s will. (Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 2 Corinthians 12:27)

I’m just discovering that telling my story, sharing what God is doing in me and through me, rather than apart from me, is how I shine His light. I am also discovering and learning to delight in how His story is lived out in others, in their unique form and substance.

I pray the people in my life will see your story lived out in me. Thank you, Jesus, for showing us the Father. And if people see you in me, they will be seeing the Father also. This is rich, full, abundant life. Thank you.