Our Daily Bread: O Holy NightSample

Pitching His Tent

“The Word became human and made his dwelling among us.” -John 1:14

When my brother wasn’t well enough to go camping, my dad brought the camping to him. They pitched a tent behind our house, underneath the stars.

Together they made their dwelling on the bumpy ground, reminiscent of the shepherds watching their flocks by night, taking in the outdoor sounds and waking with the dawn.

John, in the poetic opening to his gospel, describes how Jesus came to Earth and pitched His tent with us: “The Word became human and made his home among us” (John 1:14).

The Greek word here for made his home means to pitch a tent, and it’s the same word used elsewhere in the New Testament for the tent—the tabernacle—where God dwelled with the Israelites in the Old Testament as we read in Acts 7:44.

As God camped out with the Israelites, so, too, has Jesus set up His tent to be with His people.

When you have a few moments, read through the opening verses of John’s gospel slowly, and let the amazing truths sink in about the Word made flesh, Jesus who came to Earth to dwell among us.

As the inspiring song, “Angels from the Realms of Glory”, says, “God with man is now residing.” He who was with God before the creation of the world has come to be the light shining in the darkness.

Amy Boucher Pye

What does it mean for you that Jesus “pitches His tent” on Earth? How might you share His light today?

Today’s scripture reading is from John, chapter 1, verses 1-14.

(Read today’s scripture.)

Let’s pray…

Dear Jesus, You came from the Father, and You take us to the Father. Thank You for pitching Your tent among us, bringing us grace and truth. Amen.