Flesh for the Word

The Word became Wisdom and lived among us : but foolishly we missed its simplicity. So the Word became Light and lived among us : but we smothered its flame. Then Word became Truth and lived among us : but we disbelieved its sincerity. And the Word became Hope and lived among us : but we scorned its optimism. So the Word became Patience and lived among us : but we chased it away in our anxiety. Then the Word became Peace and lived among us : but we trampled on its careful footsteps. And the Word became Strength and lived among us : but we were caught out in our weakness. So the Word became Understanding and lived among us : but we misunderstood in our haste to know.  Then the Word became Kindness and lived among us : but we exploited its openness. And when the Word became Generosity and lived among us : we abused its hospitality. So the Word became Self control and lived among us : but we mocked its prudence. Then the Word became Goodness and lived among us : but we become lost in complacency. And the Word became Humility and lived among us : but we were puffed up on our own ego. So the Word became Gentleness and lived among us : but we refused to be tender.  And when the Word became Love and lived among us : we rejected it in anger.

So the Word became Flesh full of Wisdom and Light and Truth and Hope and Patience and Peace and Strength and Understanding and Kindness and Generosity and Self control and Humility and Goodness and Gentleness and Love:

And; Cradled in its warmth, welcoming its insight, captivated by its brightness, Revelling in its honesty, Engaged with its vision, Waiting with diligence, Dwelling within its boundaries. Supported in its embrace, Cherishing its knowledge, Partnered in its friendship, Gifted with abundance, Recognising our abandon, Humbled by its letting go, Receiving its mercy and Held in its compassion:  We might glimpse its glory. 

Can we? I mean really understand, ever this mystical knowing?  Is it possible to expand our imaginations a little from John’s theological account of the Christ and the nativity of Jesus pared down to an incarnate phrase?  Can we go a little further into the mystery to understand what it might mean for the ‘Word’ to be ‘flesh’ amongst us?  And perhaps then recognise the incarnation when it comes.