As we trace Jesus through Scripture, we arrive at one of the most astonishing truths of our faith: God took on flesh.
God taking on flesh is not only declared in the Gospels—it is traced through them.
Each Gospel writer tells Jesus’ story with intention.
Matthew begins with a genealogy that anchors Jesus in Israel’s royal line, showing Him as the promised King, the Son of David, rightful heir to the throne.
Luke, writing with a broader lens, traces Jesus’ lineage back to Adam, emphasizing His full humanity and His mission to redeem all people.
And John, rather than listing names, opens with a theological genealogy, “In the beginning was the Word,” lifting our eyes beyond earthly descent to reveal Christ’s eternal divinity.
Together, the Gospels proclaim a staggering truth: Jesus is fully King, fully Man, and fully God—the One who stepped into history to redeem it from the inside out.
The Incarnation reminds us that God’s answer to a broken world was not distance—it was His presence.
God is near (immanent), and yet so high above our ways (transcendent).
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” —John 1:14
Jesus did not come armed.
He came exposed.
He did not arrive demanding comfort.
But He arrived in need of care.
The strength of Christ is revealed through tenderness.
This is the heart of Thick Skin, Soft Heart, the book I am writing.
Jesus endured rejection, misunderstanding, and suffering—yet His heart remained open, compassionate, and merciful.
The manger tells us that God is not intimidated by our weakness; He enters it.
If you are carrying weariness this season
and grief has taken up space at your table…if joy feels fragile…
Jesus meets you there.
Not as a distant King, but as Emmanuel, God with us.
Scripture Reflection
Take time this week to sit with these passages:
- John 1:1–14—The Word made flesh
- Luke 2:1–20—The humble arrival
- Isaiah 40:11—The gentle Shepherd
Ask the Lord:
Where do I need to remember that You are with me—not above me, not away from me, but present?
Reflection Questions
- How does the humility of Jesus reshape my understanding of strength?
- Where might God be inviting me to live with both resilience and tenderness?
- What does it mean for me to welcome Christ into the ordinary and unfinished places of my life?
🙏 Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for entering our world with humility and love. When life feels heavy and hearts feel tender, remind us that You are near. Help us live with strength that endures and hearts that remain soft. May Your presence steady us, heal us, and restore our hope this season. Amen.
Visit the ShameRx Blog for When Our Humanity Feels Like a Liability
All for Jesus,
Denise