David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-5, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

This ceramic Nativity scene hints at the truth: God took on human flesh.
This ceramic Nativity scene hints at the truth: God took on human flesh.

Christmas is God’s commitment to us. He shows that He will not stand far off. He will not abandon us to our own devices. He has taken on our flesh, come into our world; He will live among us. He will die for us. Christmas is God’s commitment to us. He has come to save us. His favor rests on us. He deserves all glory, honor and praise.

The incarnation is for me a profoundly important reality. God is no concept: He is real. God’s love is not a theory: it has manifest itself. There is something messy in the incarnation – like the Christmas program that isn’t quite perfect, God comes to earth and is laid in a manger. Rather than a slick TV production Jesus’ birth was real time, real life, real flesh. I don’t like the second verse of Away in a Manger, which says, “the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.” It seems to me that Jesus probably cried. It’s no sin to cry, but tears are a result of sin which Jesus was taking on in His incarnation.

I watched parts of two beautiful Christmas specials last night. Both were live musical performances – one from St. Olaf, the other from Belmont. Rich musical gifts were offered: inspiring and beautiful. The gift of God at Christmas deserves such praise. But don’t lose sight of the real flesh entry of God into our world, and God’s delight in the real flesh offerings of His people. Yours may not be the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but if it is real – from the heart, in faith, and focused on Jesus – God’s name will be praised. And you will reflect the reality and the mystery: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” What a mystery! What a blessing! Thanks be to God!

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