In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

John 1:1-16

GOOD NEWS FOR A WEARY WORLD

Throughout this season of Advent we have explored so many well-known, well loved, and incredibly powerful stories. Stories that prepared the way for the Divine’s intervention into a wounded world. Stories of how God chose to invite the most unexpected people to be a part of the most unexpected, yet hoped for, plans to redeem this whole entire wounded world.

I find that these words from the beginning of John’s gospel poetically usher in the Good News—the Logos, theLife, the Light has arrived, Jesus has been born. The Logos or Word chose to become flesh and to live life among us to bring life and bring it abundantly. 

John’s words weave in the mystery that is Emmanuel, the Logos (or Word), the Light. Yes, he is here. Yes, he has come. And yes, he has always been present. And yes, he shall surely come again. 

John’s flowing words in this text speak of God in a variety of ways—revealing just a bit more about who God is. As we celebrate the Good News of a Savior born to us today, Light in the world, let us rejoice that this Savior, this Light, this God of love brings “grace upon grace.” 

This truly is good news for a weary world. Thanks be to God! 

Merry Christmas—may God’s peace and blessings abound!
- Margaret