On Thursday, November 27, 2003—with extraordinary secrecy—President George W. Bush paid a surprise visit to Iraq. His purpose was to thank U.S. troops for "defending the American people from danger." While there, the President served up Thanksgiving dinner to 600 stunned soldiers in a mess hall at Baghdad's airport.

The soldiers had gathered for what they thought would be a speech by chief U.S. administrator, Paul Bremer. Bremer told the troops he would read a Thanksgiving proclamation from the President, then paused and noted that it was customary for the most senior official present to read the President's proclamation. "Is there anybody back there who's more senior?" he asked. The President himself then emerged from behind a curtain as cheering soldiers climbed on chairs and tables to yell their approval.

With regard to this Thanksgiving visit to the soldiers far from home, Bush said, "It's got to be lonely for them. I thought it was important to send that message that we care for them."

The unannounced visit not only brought wild cheers from battle-worn soldiers, but also stunned the nation and even surprised the President's parents, who had been expecting him at the Thanksgiving table at his Crawford, Texas, ranch.

In a similar manner, God, who had formerly delivered his message through others (Hebrews 1:1–2), made a surprise personal visit to the world on that first Christmas—and "the Word became flesh and lived among us." When God wanted to show a sinful world that he cared, he came in person. Even now the impact of the Incarnation should take us by surprise.