John 1:1-14 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.
Context: John's gospel was written long after the Synoptic (a word which means "same") gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, some time perhaps in the 80s or 90s CE. He spoke into an increasingly fractured community. As one reads the gospel of John, one can see the deteriorating relationship between the Jewish Christians who believed in Jesus as Messiah and the Jewish community which did not. John is a theological, mystical, and mature writer. As he writes, we learn more about who Jesus is rather than what Jesus did ... yet how does one explain "who God is?" John uses beautifully rich imagery and imaginative language. He begins in poetic song ... In the beginning was the Word. Logos is the Greek word that is translated Word. Logos simply translated means "reason" and follows in the Old Testament tradition of "wisdom." John is referring to Jesus as the Word ... In this context, Word can be thought of as "God-consciousness" or the "image of God."
When we move from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, we move from "birth" to "incarnation." The Word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus embodies the creative power of God and the deep joy of the Christmas story is that, through this creative power, we too can embody the loving presence of God to others in just the same way Christ did. As we engage this creative spiritual power we begin to answer the call of God to follow Christ this day and move deeper every day forever more!
Going Deeper: Engage in Praying the Scriptures (Lectio Divina). Before you begin your reading take the time to come fully into this moment. Know that you are sitting in the presence of God and center yourself with calm and even breathing.
1. READ If you have not yet read the passage, take the time to read through it at your own pace. As you begin your second reading, read slowly and read aloud if it is comfortable for you. Savor the poetic words of John. What word or words attract you? As your word or phrase emerges, repeat it over and over in your mind and memorize the words to take with you through your Christmas Day.
2. REFLECT As you read the passage a third time ask yourself, “How is my life touched by this word, phrase, or passage?” As you sit in silence, consider all possibilities that emerge regardless of how impossible your thoughts seem to you. Simply receive and notice any sensory impressions during your time of silence.
3. RESPOND As you read the passage a fourth time ask yourself, “Is there an invitation here (for me)? Seek with an open heart to discover a possible invitation relevant to your journey of faith. Ponder this invitation during several minutes of silence. You may want to spend some time writing down your thoughts.
4. REST In the silence, allow your mind to move to a place without words as you allow God to empower you ... rest in this time of silence for as long as it is comfortable and even into a time of discomfort knowing God is with you.
Pondering: How has Jesus the Word entered into your life calling you to follow? How is God calling you to change in order to answer the new/renewed call upon your life? What sense do you have of the direction you are moving toward God's invitation to deeper living?
Prayer: Rest in the silence for just a short time more ... Living Word and Light of the World, I am your humble servant. Here I am. Lead me and give me power to live the life I have been chosen to live and to serve you as you call me. Amen.
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