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The Image of God
Robert Roth

The Christmas story we read this time of year is found in Matthew and Luke; but in a very real way, it begins in Genesis. God was busy creating goats, grasshoppers, dogs, and dandelions, when all of a sudden God said, “‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.’ . . . So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26–27, NRSV).
      If only we could remember this one idea when we are feeling unimportant or not so beautiful: Imago Dei. You and I are created in the image of God!

God in Creation
Meister Eckhart, a Christian mystic who lived in Germany at the turn of the 14th century, challenges us to see God’s image in creation. He said “all creatures are like the footprint of God” and believed that “a person should apprehend God in all things.” Maybe if we saw God’s hand in all of creation, it would be easier to see ourselves as created in God’s image.
      Another thought from Meister Eckhart helps us tie the Creation story to Christmas: “Every creature is God’s word.” God speaks, and life is created. As creation continues, God’s Word takes human form and dwells among us.

God in Christ
This time of year we also sing the Christmas hymn “Love Came Down at Christmas.” As God said “frog,” “fawn,” and “flower” earlier, on that first Christmas God says “love” and Jesus is born. The birth of Jesus makes the story more complete and, in a mystical sort of way, more understandable. God becomes human so we can see ourselves as created in God’s image and so we can learn to love one another as God has loved us in Jesus Christ.
      What do you think: Is Christmas a creation story? Is it a continuation of the story in Genesis? Are you a part of the story?

God in Us
A tall, thin, older guy with a crooked smile, Charles showed up at various church workshops about peace and social justice. He remembered his role in World War II, wept when he recalled the decades of nightmares he had suffered, and talked about how much he loved children. What a tender-hearted, inspiring Christian! Also tall, thin, and smiling, his wife June met him at the door after each session; and they would walk home together. I could always see the image of God in Charles and June.
       I recently picked up the newspaper and read this headline: “Lansing couple mourned after fire: Two found dead at scene of early morning blaze.” My heart sank. In the photo, Charles had his hand on June’s shoulder, smiling his crooked smile.
      As I read about Charles and June, I remembered these words from scripture: “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:12, NRSV).
      On page 4A, where the story continued, the headline read: “Friends recall couple’s volunteerism.” Readers who hadn’t met these eighty-seven- and eighty-four-year-old saints read how June organized continuing education classes for nurses, how Charles picked up trash in the neighborhood and helped build a playground, and how the two of them gave their backyard trees to the neighborhood kids for tree houses.Imago Dei.
      I smiled as I remembered that I too am created in God’s image—that God lives in me and loves through me. And the story continues . . . <

Robert Roth is a writer in East Lansing, Michigan.

Next Day Stretch
Read aloud Genesis 1:26–27 and 1 John 4:12. Sit quietly and reflect on the scripture. Close your eyes. Call to mind the faces of people in whom you have seen God’s love. In prayer, ask God to help you see God’s image in yourself. Pray for direction and strength so others may also see God in you.

go deeper: www.devozine.org—Imago Dei

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