Music in the Flesh

This week I was reminded (again) of the importance of the flesh. In person, face to face, you know what I mean. Our technology is so sophisticated: we have world class music (ancient to modern, all genres) at our fingertips anytime we want to listen. And yet, there is something ineffable about live music.

Our choir performed the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah last Sunday. We are neither grand nor numerous, but what happened when 25 singers and 7 instrumentalists got together under the direction of our amazing music director, well, it was incredible. Moving and inspiring, at points it nearly made me cry. To watch their faces in concentration and joy, their bodies poised and attentive, to see the individuals and the group in action, it brings home the Incarnation.

Because the Incarnation ("enfleshment") is all about Jesus live, up close, in person. It is actually the exact opposite of technology! Jesus is not an app we can download if he appeals to us. God did not send an email, text, or tweet. Though some people think of the Bible as "God's Manual for Living," even that (low technology) concept is a huge stretch, and probably not accurate.

No, in Jesus God did something entirely different. Something unheard of in the history of the world (either before or since). God entered into humanity, fully, completely, naked, screaming, hungry, cold. God became flesh and shared our humanity with all its foibles and flaws.

If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will.