‘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…..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 1:1-5, 9-14
Just days away we will celebrate the Feast we call Christmas. The incarnation, the greatest moment IN history.
This is the moment in which the Light came to the world. To man was given the gift of the Gift that he may make himself a gift to God.
I sit here pondering these words so expertly and poetically penned by St. John. Just beautifully said and capturing so much in just a few lines.
The magi saw the truth of this King though they may not have quite understood the depth of the moment. Nor do we often get it. Some I’ve met along the Road of Faith we travel day Jesus is their friend and brother. Some call Him Lord and King. Now, I look at these words of John’s and see things differently.
Jesus came in the form of a man, a baby born in a manger to a newlywed couple. This small baby in the beginning was helpless and cold lying in His mother’s arms. This small child though is ‘I AM.’ He is Who was, Who will be.
Before Him there was nothing but darkness, from Bethlehem this light broke into the world. He spoke into the formless dark saying ‘let there be light’ and it was. Two thousand years ago, this baby brought Light into the world once again enwrapped in darkness. His goal was mercy, His goal was to bring the Father to all those who would listen that they may come to understand that they too can be children of God.
For the next few days, focusing and preparing for this great event, read, re-read and meditate upon these words from John’s Gospel. They are easy to find in your Bible, John’s Gospel, right there in the beginning.
Soak them deeply into your soul and heart and mind. Then, tell me if you don’t see something different this Christmas.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, is coming into the world. He is coming to what is His own. This Christmas receive Him, believe in his name, receive the power to become children of God, Make this your new birthday.