John 1:1-18
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.14 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.15 (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.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Reflection
Pitching a tent is one of the first challenges of camping: spreading the tent out, attaching the poles, pounding the stakes into the ground, and finally raising the structure. John uses this picture to describe Jesus’ coming to become one of us and live with us.
John’s introduction to his gospel account is one of the most beautiful and important passages in the New Testament. John begins by calling Jesus the “Logos,” or “Word.” By means of this mysterious title, John not only acknowledges Jesus’ existence before the creation of the world but also declares Jesus’ role in creating the world. From the very start, John is letting us know that Jesus is one with God the Father and that Jesus himself is God.
Later in these opening verses, the description of Jesus as “the Word” gets personal. John says, “The Word became flesh.” Literally, the Son of God took on all that is involved in being human. Then John adds that the Word “made his dwelling among us.” The Greek word John uses here can be translated more literally to say that Jesus “pitched his tent” among us. He couldn’t get any closer than that.
What a comfort to know how close God comes to be with us! Because Jesus knows us so well, we can go to him with every need. Have you shared your needs with him today?
Jesus, the Word, we thank you for pitching your tent right where we are. You have shown how much you love us. Help us to love and serve you in all we do. Amen.
Come with joy before the Lord, for the light has come!
Sing a new song to God, for Christ is here with us today. Amen
We gather with joy and thanksgiving: for the true light, which enlightens all of us, has come into our world. This tiny flame attests to a light so blinding that darkness trembles before it: the tiny baby who would grow and do amazing things, bringing salvation to all of us. And we, too, testify to the light of Jesus here today, praying that the flame in our hearts will shine and bring glory to his name. Amen.
Lord, we pray, especially on this day, for those who are lonely; for those for whom Christmas is hard to bear; for those who associate it with loss, tension or relationship breakdown; for those who struggle year after year; for those for whom this year is the first Christmas without a loved one. We pray that your light will shine into the deepest dark places, into the lives of those who are struggling to cope, into the hearts of those who are desperate for hope, and surround those in need of your protection and shelter. We pray for those for whom there has been no room, no welcome, no understanding – those without home or family, those whose lives have been turned upside down. Give us grace and compassion, help us to remember your love for us and our calling to reflect your light to the world. May we be light bringers, taking the flame of your love into the dim and ugly places, giving a little bit of light to those who need it. Amen.
Suggested Listening
O the Word of my Lord https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akwOjX5qmvs
Brother, sister, let me serve you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JahFRDrSCs
The candle song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teZaQUKjx24
