A Prayer about the Wonder of Jesus’ Incarnation

Have you ever thought about what it means for us that Jesus had a body?

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…John 1:14

Lord Jesus,

As we celebrate your incarnation, 

which literally means “enfleshing,”

may we not miss the wonder 

that you became a human body. 

May we see the beauty of the bodies 

our Creator God formed for each of us to inhabit, 

and may we thank God for this precious gift. 

May we see how the fall broke our bodies, 

making us know shame 

in our minds, spirits, and bodies (Genesis 3:1-8).

May we marvel at the truth 

you “took on a human body 

to reclaim us bodily 

for fellowship with God the Father”*

and because you did, 

“our bodies once again become 

what they were meant to be.”*

In union with you, 

our bodies share in your holiness 

as we become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). 

In union with you, 

we “share in God’s hidden glory 

and display it [in our bodies] by word and deed 

to the world.” * 

Throughout this season, 

every time we think of the incarnation, 

may we rejoice in the hope 

of the full redemption of our bodies 

we will experience when you return (Romans 8:23).

Amen. 

Read John 1:14-18; Genesis 3:1-8; Romans 8:23. 

*Quotes from John W. Kleinig, Fearfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body

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