The Gospel of John 1:1-14 (Christmas Day Selection III)
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.
Let Us Pray: Eternal Word, Light of all creation, You entered our world with tenderness and truth. Shine in the places where darkness still lingers— in our hearts, our communities, our world. Make us children of Your light. Teach us to embody Your grace, to welcome the stranger, to honor the dignity of every person, and to live as signs of Your new creation. Dwell among us again, and let Your glory be seen in our lives. Amen.
John opens his Gospel not with a manger, shepherds, or angels, but with eternity. He pulls back the veil and lets us glimpse the mystery behind all creation: the Word, the divine self-expression, the wisdom, the heartbeat of God, already present before time began. This passage is not just theology; it’s revelation. It’s the story of God stepping into the world He made, not as an idea or a force, but as a person. Here’s how John puts it: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John describes the Word as “the light of all people”, a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Light here is not merely illumination; it is: God making Himself known. the vitality that animates all things and Hope darkness does not get the final word. With Jesus coming with us, lighting our way, we can carry on with confidence, we might have an idea of what may lay ahead, but with Jesus as our ‘light to live by’ we can step out in confidence and with a friend there to guide and reassure us.having Jesus beside us to light our way, we can move onward into the gloom of the night knowing that He will be there every step of the way into a future unknown to us.Jesus is the light that exposes injustice, heals what is broken, and reveals the truth of who God is and who we are. It identifies the Word with the Light, Life, Truth, Grace, and Glory of God. It identifies, on the earthly stage, the witness of John the Baptist as witness to this Word made flesh. 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 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
Reflections by Bob 