149: John 1:1-14
Well, friends, believe it or not, we are already in the middle of the Advent season. Advent actually marks the beginning of the liturgical Church calendar. It’s a season in which we observe and remember the waiting and longing of God’s people before Christ’s birth, and it’s a season in which we acknowledge and practice our own continued longing and preparation as we wait for and anticipate the coming of Christ once again.
In light of this, today, I’ll offer a reading of a pretty familiar and traditional Advent passage. Now, there are tons of wonderful Advent resources out there this time of year, and I hope you are enjoying and engaging one or a few of those already. I also hope this one simple reading here can be a kind companion for you in the middle of the hustle and bustle of it all.
As I read, you’re invited to listen and notice what you notice. Once the reading is through, I’ll offer a few questions for reflection, as you consider the reminders God might have for you in this passage. Feel free to pause, to rewind, or even revisit throughout this season as you see fit. As always, I hope it serves you well.
A reading from the Gospel of John 1:1-14, from the New Revised Standard Version:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 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.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Does anything stand out to you in this passage? Maybe a word, image or phrase? A feeling or a question? Take a moment to consider what that might be for you.
What do you notice about your response to this passage? Do you resonate with it? Are you bothered by it? Both can be true, or you might notice something else entirely. Take a moment to welcome and sit with your response, whatever it may be.
Now, consider your current life and circumstances. If it’s helpful, maybe even focus in on this very day. What reminder or invitation might God be offering you through these verses?
Finally, as you reflect on that reminder or invitation, what do you need from God?
Today, may we remember the Word Made Flesh, with us in the middle of it all, as together, we continue to become the people God calls and invites us to be.