The Word Became Flesh Here!

Lutheran Bishop Stephen Bouman tells of standing behind an altar in the small crypt chapel of the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the traditional site where Mary first heard she would bear a child. Bouman noticed a Latin inscription carved into the altar: Verbum caro factum est—“The Word was made flesh.” But then he saw one additional word: hic.

Verbum caro hic factum est.

“The Word was made flesh here.”

Most likely, the inscription was meant to refer to that specific location. However, in a greater sense, it reminds us of a deeper truth: God became flesh here, on earth. He stepped into the chaos, heartbreak, beauty, and joy of everyday life. He is not distant or removed—He is here, among us. He is present in our homes, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, in our city halls, and in our schools.

Today, as you go about your daily routine, wherever you find yourself, remember: The Word became flesh—here!

Let us pray: Loving God, we remember that Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And so we thank You that we are never alone. Meet us today in the midst of our everyday lives—especially in our places of greatest need. Open our eyes to catch glimpses of Your love and grace, and draw us closer to You. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.