MONDAY: THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Dec 26, 2022
2 min read

Lord, I look to You as I continue celebrating the season of Your birth on this earth. I want to know the story before the story, though! Guide and direct me as I learn it this week.

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Many people who tell the story of Christmas recount the birth of Christ. In fact, the story began much, much earlier. The Apostle John did not start his gospel with the birth of Christ, but rather, in the beginning. He notes that Jesus was the Word and references Jesus as being with God; He was God from the beginning. John wants me to see Jesus is part of the Trinity of God—His Divine nature explains He is part of the Godhead: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

John also notes that Jesus, as part of the Trinity, was present at creation and through Him all things were made. As the Creator, He has dominion and authority over His creation; that includes me.

John tells me that in Jesus was life—not simply mortal life like you and I know it, but eternal life. This eternal life with Jesus exists in a perfect sinless heaven and ultimately a new earth. Through Jesus, I enjoy the hope and expectation of a glorious eternal life because of His life, the Light of all mankind.

The world which God created became a dark place because of sin. God sent Jesus to earth to shine His light into the darkness. The darkness in the world cannot overcome the light of Jesus; instead, Jesus has overcome the darkness.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: Jesus’ existence did not start when He was born on this earth; He always existed. Jesus came to earth in the form of a human baby to give me a gift: Himself. By living on this earth, dying on the cross, and rising again, He showed His power over life and death.

I realize the critical importance of eternal life and the need to point others to Jesus for this reason. If He went through all the trouble of coming to earth to give me the gift of Himself, I should accept the gift and unwrap the present!

Lord, allow me to see the wondrous gift You have for me this Christmas. I desire to see You and know You in a personal way, so I can also participate in and experience Your eternal life every day!

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman