Eyes Wide Open: 40-Day Lenten Devotional Sample

The Word Became Flesh

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” – John 1:14

This phrase portrays the sublime simplicity of sound and quiet contemplation achieved by Egil Hovland (1924-2013), the Norweigian composer. The book of John openly declares that God himself has come into the world. Hovland composed his airy choral piece with vulnerable and exposed harmonies, greatly resembling how God himself walked among us.

“We beheld the glory, of the Father” expands the word “glory” to portray the humanity of God as found in the life of Jesus.

In Hovland’s piece, the phrase “full of grace and truth” is unexpectedly drawn out. Our attention is captivated as “grace” is given generous space to fill the hearts of all, to eventually descend on the word “truth” in order to dwell on the everlasting character of our Lord. While this phrase is simply written, the rhythm of these words faintly subverts the flow of the song, and we the listeners along with it. Something breathtaking is about to happen. 

The harmonies expand exquisitely with “in Him was life, and the life was the light of all” through musical dissonance and resolution, waves of discomfort and rest pulling us ever forward to the apex of the piece where it is fully proclaimed that in him was life, and the life was the light of all. We experience this tension in our bodies, while witnessing the brokenness within us and around us. Our whole selves lean forward in our need for resolution and grace. 

We do experience musical resolution, yet in a somewhat hollow, empty declaration that his own received him not. God himself walked among us, we beheld his glory and yet did not receive him. In him was true life, yet our eyes, ears, and hearts preferred to settle for half-truths and discord. 

The composer, while sharing with us in our lack did not leave us hopeless, but brings comfort by reassuring us again that the Word did most certainly dwell among us. Our Saviour came simply, seamlessly, and vulnerably to bring profound healing for his children and hope to the world. His love for us is never failing, and we continue to bear witness of his glory today, full of grace and truth.

Prayer: Lord, we are grateful that you came into this world, in human form. Thank you that in you we can have true life. You are the light of this world. Today, we behold your glory and marvel in your grace in our lives. Amen.

- Written by Ann Chow