Focus

Breathe in clear thoughts of peace and reflection as you prepare to hear God speak to you through the scripture and the writer. Put aside all the things the world says you have to accomplish today and use this time to rest in God’s presence.

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Read

John 1:1-14 (NRSV)

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.

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Reflect

Merry Christmas! As the quiet reflections of Christmas Eve give way to the frenzy of Christmas morning, today’s passage reminds us that the Christ has been with us all along. As the darkness of candlelight communion gives way to the light of Christmas Day, today’s passage reminds us that no amount of darkness will keep the light of Christ from us. Even though we live in a world that attempts to silence the Word of God and extinguish the light of Jesus, scripture reminds us that the Word became flesh and lived among us, that the light of Christ will not be overcome by the shadows of this world, which can be scary and dark. That light is the “life of all people” and will not be put out.

Amid celebrations with family and friends, may we remember that Christ lives within us. We are to be the light for people who need it. Perhaps you are someone who needs light today. Maybe Christmas is not a day of celebration for you, but a day of grieving. If so, know that you are not alone. That the Word that became flesh lives among you, too. The light of Christ is with you even when you fear it has been extinguished. May you see the flicker of that light even in the midst of grief and fear.

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Pray

Word of the Living God, we celebrate that God chose to be incarnate and live among us. We celebrate through family time and gift-giving and dining at table together. Sometimes we feel alone. Sometimes we are alone. Remind us that the Word is flesh among us and that the light of the world will never be extinguished. Use me to be that light for another. Amen.

Go with God.