The gospel of John doesn’t spend any time with the shepherds and angels surrounding Jesus. Rather, John gets right to the point and connects some dots for us. He reveals Jesus to us as the Word who has always existed. He was with God at creation, and John tells us he is God. John had a special relationship with Jesus, and his opening lines are powerful.
As we picture Jesus as a helpless babe in the manger, we must remember his majesty. These verses do just that for us. Jesus was no ordinary baby. John reminds us that Jesus didn’t just appear. Our forever king was always Jesus. At Christmas we celebrate when that forever king became flesh and bone like us.
People often struggle with these words, yet they set up beautifully one of the basic foundations to our faith. The Trinity describes the three persons of God, and John understands that Jesus is God but he is also “with” God. The Trinity is exactly that mystery.
As for this text, the line that really resonated with me today was verse 5. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” Jesus called himself the light of the world. Because Jesus is that light shining in the darkness, we have the assurance that the darkness will never win. Jesus will always be victorious over the evil forces of this world, the darkness.
We are also told that Jesus came for everyone, not just a select few. John said, “his life brought light to everyone.” Yet there are still plenty of people walking around in the darkness. The world is busy celebrating Christmas on some level. Yet how many have reflected on the reason for the season? Even sappy Christmas movies would rather focus on the “magic” of the season overlooking the miracle was God becoming human. God did that for all of us because of his deep love for his people. How do you respond to that kind of love?
The season of Christmas will continue for the next twelve days. Some people are already putting their decorations away. Don’t do it! Treasure the rest of the Christmas season.
I recall writing a series of devotions one year for this period. We reflected on twelve different Christmas carols and how they bring the Christmas story to life. If you’d like to stay with the Christmas theme through the whole season, I’d recommend you start with Day 1 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Be blessed!
Let’s pray. Sweet Jesus, you are the light of the world. Come into my heart anew this Christmas and fill me with the joy and anticipation that comes only from you. I love being reminded of your majesty and how you have been with God always and forever. Thank you for your wisdom and continued victory in our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
