There are so many nuggets of truth in this reading! Such a great passage for today (I’m writing this on Christmas Day)! John’s “nativity” is not quite the same as Luke and Matthew, but it’s riveting. It speaks to who Jesus, the Word, was. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In Hebrew thought, the “Word’ was how God revealed himself to the people. Jesus became the revelation of God in human form. When we look at Jesus we see God’s holiness personified.
This next part really gives me hope. “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” Knowing Jesus is victorious helps us endure the darkness of our days. We are often confused by the distortions of the world concerning our reality and eternity. We need to focus on Jesus.
Don’t you love how God orchestrates the story to involve John the Baptist (not to be confused with Gospel of John). Jesus came before the days of television newscasts, internet viral blasts, etc. John was the chosen one to proclaim his coming. They were relatives, and you’ll recall how excited John was in the womb when he first “met” Jesus, also in the womb at the time. Again, God uses characters we might not expect, but it works.
The people certainly wouldn’t recognize Jesus. They would be looking for a grand king for their Messiah, not a friend of sinners born in a stable. God knew the people would need someone to announce Jesus’ arrival. John was that voice in the wilderness. He would do what he could to get the word out so people would recognize and believe in Jesus. “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
I love the thought of being a child of God, or daughter of the King as I often say. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Word, we can reflect on what God has accomplished through Jesus. Do we accept that as our reality? What changes in our lives or in our hearts when we remember we’re part of God’s family?
Take some time to reflect on the goodness and light Jesus has brought into your life. Are you ready to let this Christmas season be a turning point in your journey of faith?
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for meeting me this Christmas like never before. While I really wish the situation in the world is different, I’m so glad I didn’t let it keep me from focusing on you. In fact, I thank you for the solitude of this time in history to help me reconnect with you on a deeper level. Continue to lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
