This is one of my favorite Christmas texts that seems to become richer in meaning with each passing year. Who is the Word? Jesus is who we recognize here. Feel the thrill when you picture Jesus so active in creation. There is such an intimacy at work as we meet our Savior as also the light who created us. We know Jesus’ humanity, but here we see clearly his divinity.
God’s design and purpose for each of us is so perfect. We are the ones who mess it up when we choose our own way. Even those who could have personally met Jesus when he walked the earth, rejected him. What a tragic loss for them and for anyone who denies Jesus as Lord of their lives.
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” That message rings true for us, too. The promise to be a child of God is a right and a privilege for those who believe. Believe in what? Believe that Jesus is God’s Son who died and rose for you and wants to lead and guide your life.
I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of Savior I want. My Jesus loves me so much he doesn’t want me to be stuck in my sin. I believe His Word is the truth and want to draw closer to Jesus every day. Jesus is the Word. The truth shines light on all of us. Lauren Daigle sings a great song called, “Light of the World.” Behold our King, indeed!
This may sound silly, but I just imagined Jesus as all the truth of Scripture rolled up in a majestic beam of glory. That ball of fiery light was all contained within the man, grown from the baby born in Bethlehem. Our infant king had seen the beginning of time.
It’s hard for us to wrap our heads around the miracle that came down at Christmas. Hold on to that awe and wonder as you go through your day. Let the joy of the season wipe away any sadness that this year’s Christmas preparations are now memories to treasure. Remember Jesus is “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Let’s pray. Thank you, Jesus, for coming into our world and into my heart. Fill me anew with the awe and wonder of your incarnation. I don’t want to be one of the ones lost and unable to recognize you. Help me to focus on you and keep your light shining bright in this dark world until that day you come again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
