The Gospel of John 1:1-18
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.
Let us Pray: Grant Lord, that our Church will be illuminated by His light and shine forth in the world. May the devotion of the shepherds, the adoration of the angels, and the love of the Holy Family inspire us in our worship this day and through the coming year. This we Pray in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen
At Christmas, the song of the angels rings throughout the world. As we rejoice in their song may we always acknowledge that Christ brings peace for us all.
Jesus is a light for us all, for the light of Jesus always guides us in darkness and enlightens our minds with His truth. Where the darkness was vast, Jesus came as the light. Where chaos ensued, Jesus brought order. Where light and order reign, Jesus is King, and life is abundant. These are just some of the things John is trying to show us as he introduces Jesus to us in his own unique and purposeful manner. Before time even existed, Jesus was there, and He’s been there at the right side of God ever since the beginning. John’s mission was to witness to Jesus, to the One who was to come after him. John paved the way for the true light, for the One who was full of grace and truth. John knew that the light that was to come was for all people and that darkness would never overcome it. John is a witness to the light. What a powerful role John had in the salvation of humanity. The Son of God became flesh and now dwells among us. He is the Word, the Light and is full of grace and truth. May we always recognize the glory of the Risen Jesus as John did. Let’s look at this passage from a different point of view and say: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the word was love! That love is creative, the beating heart of the universe. It is love that brings light to everyone. If we allow it to shine on us, we begin to see everyone from a divine point of view. We see that the potential of each person is to become nothing less than a daughter or son of God!’ Life can now become a great drama. We must ask the Lord that in it we play the part well, by living in sync with the love that can move the sun and the other stars.
As we come to the end of a year and listen to what God’s word says to us. It helps us look back and learn and look forward in hope. The hope of the Light is often used to describe the hope that believers have for the future. This hope is based on the belief that there is a God who is always looking out for them and who will help them in their time of need. God’s word is a creative word who gives life to all with hope and love. Jesus is the Word, the word of hope and promise. Jesus is God’s message to us. He is our Good News. We know that God loved the world and sent Jesus among us. He is the ‘only Son who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known’. It has been an eventful and challenging year that leaves lasting memories. We have the fidelity of God to sustain us in the many challenges of life. We need light in the darkness and hope in the uncertainty that is around us. God has given us the Eternal Word and the living word of scripture to guide us. We pray to welcome and appreciate those words more fully, asking that our actions may be in harmony with them. In today’s world, it can be difficult to find a way to connect and be in harmony with God. However, one of the best ways to connect with Him is through prayer. Prayer can be a powerful tool to help you connect with God and receive His guidance. Through prayer, we can learn to connect with God and receive His blessings. Today and every day may we open our eyes, minds and hearts and expect to see Jesus, the Light!
Let us Pray: Grant that all people may hear together the song of joy,
and find their homes in the garden of justice and hope,
that we may experience the fullness of life,
which is your will for all,
in the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 