Love Incarnate: God with Us
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Advent Day 23 — Love Incarnate: God With Us
Theme: The heart of Christmas — the Word made flesh.
If there is one truth that A Christmas Carol captures at its deepest level, it is that love changes everything when it draws near. Dickens wrote of human compassion and redemption, but beneath his pen lies a divine echo — the miracle of Incarnation, when God Himself drew near in the person of Jesus Christ.
In Dickens’ tale, Scrooge’s redemption begins when the supernatural invades the ordinary. The spirits meet him where he is — in his cold, dark room — and lead him into a new life. But in the far greater story of Scripture, God Himself steps into our world, not as a ghost to haunt us, but as a Savior to heal us.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
Those words from John’s Gospel are the heartbeat of Christmas. Love didn’t stay distant. Love didn’t send a messenger from afar. Love came down. The eternal Son of God entered our weakness, our poverty, and our pain so that we might share in His glory.
Jesus is Love Incarnate — love made visible, tangible, knowable. In Him, we see the face of God and the fullness of grace. The manger in Bethlehem is not merely a sentimental scene; it is the meeting place of heaven and earth. The Creator cradled in a mother’s arms. The Infinite wrapped in swaddling cloths. The Holy One dwelling among sinners — not to condemn, but to redeem.
Scrooge’s story reminds us that transformation always begins with presence — someone entering our darkness with compassion and truth. For him, it was the Spirits. For us, it is Christ Himself. He is Emmanuel, “God with us,” not once a year, but every day, in every moment.
As you pause to view today’s artwork, perhaps a depiction of the Nativity or a modern portrayal of Emmanuel among the poor, let it remind you that God has drawn near. Listen to the Advent Playlist, perhaps to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” or “Love Came Down at Christmas.” Let each note draw you deeper into the wonder of divine love made flesh.
This is the love that cannot be earned or lost — the love that dwells among us still, calling us to behold His glory and become bearers of His light in the world.
Prayer
Emmanuel, God with us, thank You for stepping into our darkness and filling it with Your light. Thank You for taking on our humanity so we might share in Your divinity. Let Your presence dwell richly in my heart, and let my life reflect the glory of Your grace and truth. This Christmas, help me not merely to remember that You came, but to rejoice that You are still here — with us, for us, in us. Amen.
Artwork: “It’s I, your uncle Scrooge. I have come to dinner. Will you let me in, Fred?”
Artist: Arthur Rackham
Medium: Hand-drawn with watercolor washing
Date: 1915
Published in: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Artistic Analysis
1. Artistic Style
Arthur Rackham’s unmistakable style is central to the image:
Loose yet expressive ink lines define the figures and objects with a slightly whimsical irregularity.
Soft, translucent watercolor washes create mood rather than strict realism.
Muted, earthy tones are characteristic of Rackham’s palette—warm browns, grays, and golds dominate, creating a gentle and nostalgic atmosphere.
Rackham’s work often blends the fantastical with the human, and here he softens Dickens’s world with a touch of fairytale warmth.
2. Narrative Moment
The illustration captures a pivotal emotional moment from A Christmas Carol:
Scrooge, newly transformed, arrives at his nephew Fred’s home for Christmas dinner.
The image conveys:
Scrooge’s hesitant humility—a man unused to warmth and welcome.
Fred and his young wife’s open, heartfelt invitation, signaling forgiveness, joy, and family connection.
This is the moment when Scrooge first steps into genuine human fellowship after years of isolation.
3. Composition
Rackham arranges the scene to emphasize Scrooge’s transition:
The Doorway
Scrooge stands framed in an open door, still partly in shadow.
Symbolically, he is at a threshold, moving from his cold, lonely world into a warm, loving family space.
The Gesture of Welcome
Fred’s arms are extended toward Scrooge, bridging the space between them.
His wife stands just behind, adding depth and human warmth.
Their posture literally draws Scrooge into the circle of light.
The Table
The bright white tablecloth and the piled fruit suggest abundance, festivity, and generosity.
The table anchors the right side of the image, representing the joy Scrooge is being invited into.
Rackham’s composition guides the viewer’s eye from the dark doorway → to Fred’s gesture → to the glowing celebration.
4. Color, Light, and Mood
Rackham uses light and color symbolically:
Warm golden light fills the dining room, highlighting abundant food and decorations.
Scrooge, in contrast, is painted in cooler, grayer hues, conveying the remnants of his old life.
The holly, ribbons, and soft red accents connect the moment to Christmas symbolism and renewal.
The overall mood is gentle, hopeful, and emotionally restorative.
5. Symbolic Elements
This scene is rich in Dickensian and Rackham-esque symbolism:
The Door: A moment of transformation; Scrooge crosses from his past into redemption.
Outstretched Hands: Forgiveness, acceptance, family, and unconditional welcome.
Holly Decorations: Tradition, festivity, and the promise of renewal.
Fruit and Tableware: Material signs of generosity, hospitality, and fellowship.
Rackham uses these elements to emphasize that Scrooge’s redemption is not only spiritual but relational.
O Come, O Come Immanuel
Latin Hymn, 12th century
Translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866)
O Come, O Come Immanuel
Latin Hymn, 12th century
Translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866)
Playlist Daily Highlight
We’ve provided multiple versions of this classic Christmas carol. Listen to your favorite style, but also try something new!
See if you find a new appreciation for this song or a different version than what you’re used to.
Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song and reflect on them. Let God speak to you in this moment.