Reading: John 1:1-9

John 1:9 – “The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world.”

Today and tomorrow we return to a passage that we just read a week ago. These words “fit” so well on Christmas Eve, a night filled with light and joy surrounding Jesus Christ coming into the world as a baby. In John’s gospel, though, we do not find prophesies and birth stories. Instead, John connects all the way back to the creation of the world. Starting on day 1 of creation, John calls Jesus the “Word.” In verses 1-4 we gain insight into the eternal, creative power found in Jesus Christ. All things came into being through the Word, including “the life that was the light for all people.”

Verses 5-9 develop the purpose of the light. We first read that the light shines into the darkness. This light will never be overcome by the darkness. The darkness of death and the grave could not even extinguish the light. The last verse reminds us, “The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world.” Here John the gospel writer is talking about Jesus’ birth. And more. This light of Christ is life-giving, revealing, growth-inducing, guiding, warming, comforting. Jesus is all this and more.

Tucked in this section are some words about another John. In Mark’s and Luke’s gospel, he is John the Baptist. In John’s gospel he is first John the Witness. John testifies about, witnesses to, and invites others to receive and believe in this light. In his own way, John was a lesser light that pointed others to the true light. I believe this is why we are reading John 1 again so soon after Christmas. It is a reminder that we, like John, are called to witness to the true light of the world – the light that shines on us, that dwells in us, that is all this and more. May we be witnesses to the true light, today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, the light that we held in our hands on Christmas Eve, that light that reminded us that the true light has come into the world, we still hold that light in our hearts. Lord, may we unshutter the doors of our hearts, allowing the light of Christ to shine out from us, into the world. As the light continues to shine, draw others into your saving love. Amen.