In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
This week the darkness of 2020 was illuminated by the Christmas Star. It gave hope to a rather unusual year. The light from that beautiful display of God’s creativity brought hope, just as the Star of Bethlehem brought hope into the world. That hope walked the earth as one of us. That hope brought peace to us through his love. That hope brought love to the world. As we joyfully celebrate the light of the world let us share the light, Jesus has brought each and every one of us. The gift is that we have Jesus the Light with us each moment of every day. Sad to say, I suspect that we are not always tuned in to His presence. Yet, it is true! Jesus “the Light” is always with us! Today and every day may we open our eyes, our minds and our hearts to see Jesus, the Light!
Let us Pray: Jesus Christ whose star guided the visitors to your birth, guide us as we continue through the season of Christmas and be present with us as we continue to celebrate your holy birth. This we pray in your Name, Amen
Reflections by Bob 