Jesus: God with Skin On

Jesus Christ became human; became one of us. He didn’t come as a prince or a wealthy man. He was poor, experiencing hunger, homelessness, loneliness, estrangement from his family, and attempts on his life. He came to his own, and his own received him not, Scripture tells us (John 1:11). He came to earth for the sick, poor, and rejected. And he told his followers that as they fed the hungry, clothed the needy, etc., they were doing it “unto him” (Matt 25:40).

As Advent approaches, we think of Christmas; of celebrating; of lavishing presents on our loved ones. It is right to celebrate the King who came down to earth; to celebrate that we can be part of his Kingdom; to celebrate being heirs with him, as we believe in him!
But Christmas is also a time for reflection on what Jesus actually did, in giving up his heavenly throne and becoming human: Jesus was God “with skin on!” As his kinfolk, can we follow his example in this season? Where do we see incarnational ministry―God’s love with skin on? Here are two examples:

Heidi, a foster mom, presented a community need to Bethel Women’s Ministry Team in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. About 150 children are in foster care in Otter Tail County alone. Foster families face incredible challenges. Kids often arrive at foster homes with few, if any, personal items. Heidi says, “I’ve had babies arrive in just a diaper at 3 a.m., after a drug bust.” Finding things like a crib, carseat, diapers, clothing, etc. can be difficult and expensive. The families who welcome kids are stretched thin, financially and emotionally. Using Heidi’s knowledge and experience, under the umbrella support of Bethel Women’s Ministry, a “foster closet” was begun to serve the county. Named “The Connection,” it has now expanded into an overflowing room, offering free clothing and other items to foster and adoptive families. Area organizations and churches also donate items, with volunteers helping to sort and staff the room.
 
Foster parents give time, energy, and money to care for children that are not their own―this is incarnational love. The Connection has just begun to care for the care-givers.

Bethel LBC in Ottawa, Illinois, is serving their community in another way. They started a “Get the BASICS” program at their church. When individuals struggle with little income, receiving necessities like soap, shampoo, and toilet paper free of charge can help them make it through the month. Early on the third Saturday of each month, some arrive to sit in rows of chairs at 8 a.m., although the event begins at 10 a.m.! All are welcomed, Scripture and prayer is shared, and birthdays are even celebrated in song! After receiving their allotment of items, recipients are invited to a hearty breakfast. Over the past two and a half years, BASICS has served around 600 households, relationships have been forged, and their group of enthusiastic volunteers has grown, including even some who are recipients of the program.

This year, let’s celebrate the King’s Birth Day, showing his love to those around us.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” ―Matthew 25:40