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: You came to us before we came to You, and You are with us always. Help us to live every day in the True Light of the Spirit of Christ that You sent into each of our hearts. This we pray to The light of the Word, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
This Gospel of John sets the stage for understanding who Jesus is and His mission on Earth. The passage begins with, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This opening echoes Genesis 1:1 and establishes Jesus as the Word, as eternal and divine. It emphasizes that Jesus was not created but has always existed with God, highlighting His divine nature. That dramatic statement: “the Word became flesh”. Explains the reason Jesus is important to us is when we look at Jesus, we see God. we see a God, who cared enough about the world to come, in the flesh, just so that we might see clearly God’s love for us and to reveal clearly to us what God cares about. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. It underscores God’s closeness and willingness to enter the human experience fully. This act of love bridges the gap between the divine and human, making God’s grace and truth accessible.
And there was John, the role of John was to introduce Jesus as the “light of all mankind,” a light that shines in the darkness. This light imagery symbolizes truth, life, and divine revelation. Jesus’ presence dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, offering guidance and hope to humanity. John the Baptist is a witness to the light, preparing the way for Jesus. His role is crucial as he points others to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of bearing witness to God’s truth. John’s humility in acknowledging Jesus’ superior role is a model of faithful discipleship.
As the year ends and all the Christmas decorations have been stored away, the real meaning of Christmas can begin. Going out into the world and spreading the Good News as you stop to listen and help those who didn’t get a chance to have a warm and cozy Christmas celebration. May the peace of the Lord and the Christmas Spirit go with you throughout the entire year.
Let us Pray: Gracious God, We are grateful for the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ. Help us to receive and embody this grace in our interactions with others. May we live truthfully and extend Your kindness and compassion to everyone we meet. Let Your grace transform us and our communities, drawing us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
As this Sunday is the last Sunday of the year, I have included a prayer To Welcome the New Year 2025
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we come before you with hearts full of anticipation and gratitude. We thank you for the gift of life and for the journey that has brought us to this moment.
Lord, we acknowledge the highs and lows of the past year, the joys and sorrows, the victories, and challenges. Through it all, your presence has been our constant source of strength and hope.
As we welcome this new year, we place it in your capable hands. We trust in your plan and purpose for our lives, knowing that your ways are higher than our ways, and your thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
We pray for your guidance in the coming year. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and wisdom. Help us to discern your will in all that we do and to walk in obedience to your Word.
Fill our hearts with hope, peace, joy and love. May your love and grace shine brightly in our lives and be a source of light in a world that often needs it.
Lord, grant us the courage to face the unknown with faith and trust. In times of uncertainty, remind us that you are our anchor, our refuge, and our strength.
We thank you for the lessons and blessings of the past and look forward to the opportunities and adventures that the future holds. May we use our time, talents, and resources to bring glory to your name and to be a blessing to others.
In the name of Jesus, we welcome the new year with open hearts, renewed faith, and the confidence that you will be with us every step of the way. Amen
Reflections by Bob 