The prologue to the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18) famously moves from the cosmic to the particular, from a time before time to the specificity of the Word who “became flesh and lived among us.” This is the story of Christmas, the birth narrative of humanity: God’s eternal Wisdom makes its home among real, flesh and blood mortals.

The Word (Logos in Greek) of John’s gospel points forward to Jesus, even as it points backward to the tradition of Woman Wisdom. In this tradition, Woman Wisdom dwells in God’s presence from the beginning. Wisdom provides that creation with rationality, so that true seekers may discern the divine nature in the workings of the world. But Wisdom does not hold herself removed from humanity. She identifies a particular people, Israel, and delivers them to a new land. She even seeks out individual persons, those willing to pursue Wisdom rather than Folly.

	The biblical figure of Woman Wisdom explores feminine imagery as it relates to God. Does your congregation use a variety of images and language to speak about God and God’s activity?

Such is the way of God’s Wisdom, which expresses itself in human particularity. According to Sirach 24:1-12, Wisdom springs forth from the mouth of the Most High, yet she takes root in God’s particular people. Having searched through heaven and the abyss, across sea and earth, Woman Wisdom sets her tent in Israel.

Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21 continues Wisdom’s progress toward particularity. Choosing an oppressed people, she delivers them from their oppressors, guides them through their journey, and protects them from their foes. Who can silence her praise? The mute speak forth; infants articulate the good news. This is Wisdom’s role in salvation history: from the foundation of the world, she makes her home among a particular people.

	Who can silence Wisdom’s praise? What forces in our world seek to silence Wisdom, and who speaks in solidarity with her?

Taking up the theme, Ephesians 1:3-14 (all one Greek sentence, by the way!) proclaims how God has delivered every spiritual blessing to a particular people, God’s own adopted children. These particular blessings reflect God’s eternal purpose, prepared before the foundation of the world. God’s Wisdom will find its ultimate resolution: to gather up all things in Christ.

Real life particularity does not sit easily with everyone. John’s prologue recognizes this harsh reality, as the Word finds itself rejected in its chosen home. Likewise, as a gender transcending male, Mykal recalls a faith community that continually poses the question, “Are you livin’ right?” Mykal discerns that "living right" is directly related to having full access to all the benefits that the world has to offer. Mykal testifies that if you break the rules or live outside the boundaries of popular discourse and understanding, access to those benefits is denied.

Mona recalls the early Christian tradition that saw Jesus as Wisdom’s Child. On this second Sunday after Christmas, when we have anticipated and celebrated the birth of Jesus, in these passages Scripture celebrates our birth through Jesus Sophia (don’t forget Julian of Norwich called Jesus our Mother) who has been present at the very beginning of creation. To follow Jesus, Mykal testifies, implies living out one’s own truth – regardless of the resistance one faces.

Not only is Jesus Wisdom’s Child, but through God’s Word/Wisdom so are we. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender believers bear witness that it is not the church who says whether or not we are God’s children, nor our sexuality, not even our theology or orthodoxy – but it is our welcome of this one sent from God. The Logos/Sophia does not discriminate based on race, class, gender or sexual orientation.

	How does “the Word” of God take particular shape in your community?

During the Christmas season the LGBT community and its allies celebrate God’s eternal Wisdom who makes her home in the particularity of mortals. We testify to God’s Word, who lived the divine love despite violent resistance. We affirm our identity as Wisdom’s beloved children, who participate in God’s saving work to bring all things together.