Incarnatio.
What does it avail me that [Jesus’] birth is always happening, if it does not happen in me? That it should happen in me is what matters.
~ St. Augustine
What good is it to me if Mary gave birth to the Son of God 1400 years ago and I do not give birth to the Son of God in my own person and time and culture? . . . We are all meant to be mothers of God.
~ Matthew Fox
new years, 1
You are the re-incarnation of Jesus. How’s that for an attention-getter?
I am intentionally using jarring language to provoke our thinking about how the incarnation of Jesus—divinity united with humanity—continues on in the lives of those who follow The Way. Over the last four weeks we explored how God “came home” to the world through Jesus; now we imagine what it means to actually live out our holy union in the world this year.
Like Mary, we are also giving birth to God… in ourselves. Or, if you prefer, God is birthing Godself in you. Can you own that?
Imagine something with me for a moment: As 2026 opens in a few days, the world is as hurting and needy as ever, not unlike year zero when Jesus was born. Jesus did not enter the world with all eyes upon him; instead, he grew gently and gradually—stealthily even—into an undercurrent of profound influence. And ever since, his followers have moved along that same path, bringing forward the compassion and conviction of Jesus in our own incarnations.
Our attitudes mirrors his. Our words mirror his. Our acts of justice and kindness mirror his. Because “in him we live and move and have our being!” Our mirrors are smudgy, and folks often get a lot of attitude and words from us that don’t help things… but that is precisely what the new year invites: more of Jesus in more of us.
This January I want to keep pursuing this line of thinking and ask you to believe this radical truth, that again, you and I are the reincarnation of Jesus. In a war-torn world, in a politically-bifurcated world, in a world of “Christian” nationalism… we are bringing a fresh, quiet contribution of character. Closer to home, we bring compassionate presence to the unseen pain in our neighborhoods and offices.
What does it look like when divinity shows up in your humanity?
“Affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely” (Gal 5:22 msg). This is Jesus incarnated in you.
growing your soul
Where do you see these qualities wanting to come forward in your life right now? If you could pick one, which one would you choose? And hey, you can pick as many as you want!
serving our world
Now look at this list from another perspective… Which of these qualities does your world need most today? It’s available to them through you.
takeaway
Give birth!