In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 NIV)

If God is one thing, He is big. He’s the creator, the omniscient, the all-powerful. He knows the number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7); He does not faint or grow weary (Isaiah 40:28); He is the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13).

But what’s different about the Christian God is that He came near. God allowed Himself to be bound by bone and blood and breath; the Word was contained by vocal chords. He left a place without sickness for a world filled with it. The Christian God is not only big and powerful, but desires to be close to His people.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14a NIV)

This year at Torrey Conference, we will unpack the Incarnate theme in three ways:

First, as a (proper) noun: the Incarnate. The preexisting Word as embodied in the person of Jesus brought heaven to earth, and that changes everything.

Second, as an adjective. An embodied (incarnate) practice of spirituality not only protects us from modern Gnosticism but also provides avenues for holistic health. We’re excited to partner with Student Wellness and SPA to provide well-being opportunities throughout the conference.

Third, as a verb. Christians are called to incarnate Jesus’ love to the world as we partner with His Spirit in redeeming creation. In Jesus is life, and this life is the light of all mankind.

At #TCincarnate, our prayer is that we will have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14b NIV)