Gospel
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 to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but 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 to be through him, but the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 17 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
Historical Background
The Gospel of John was written later than the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), likely between AD 90–100. It was addressed to a Christian community wrestling with questions about Jesus’ identity, especially in a world shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greek philosophical thought.
John’s Prologue (1:1–18) is often called the “Hymn to the Logos.” Many scholars believe it may have been an early Christian hymn or creed that John incorporated and expanded.
The community was facing internal divisions (e.g., early Gnostic ideas) and external pressures. John responds by presenting a majestic, cosmic vision of Christ that leaves no room for reducing Him to a mere prophet, teacher, or spiritual force.
Theological Context
John 1:1–18 is one of the richest theological passages in all of Scripture. Key themes include “The Logos” (The Word)”. “In the beginning was the Word” echoes Genesis 1, placing Jesus before creation, not as a creature but as eternally existing.
In Greek thought, Logos meant the rational principle ordering the universe. In Jewish thought, Word (dabar) meant God’s active, creative, saving power. John unites both: Jesus is God’s eternal self-expression, the One through whom all things were made.
The Word Was With God, and the Word Was God. This affirms both distinction (with God) and unity (was God). It lays the foundation for Trinitarian theology.
The Word Became Flesh. This is the heart of the Incarnation. God does not merely speak from afar; He enters human history, taking on our fragility. “Dwelt among us” literally means “pitched His tent”—evoking the Tabernacle where God’s glory dwelled with Israel.
Light and Darkness. Light symbolizes revelation, life, truth, salvation. Darkness symbolizes ignorance, sin, resistance. The Light shines continuously, and darkness cannot overcome it.
Grace and Truth. Through Moses came the Law; through Jesus comes grace upon grace—the fullness of God’s faithful love. Jesus reveals the Father in a way no one else can.
Learning Lessons
Jesus is the Word, and He is divine. He was with God from the beginning and is God. Everything was made through Jesus, and nothing exists without Him. He is the light that shines in the darkness, bringing hope and guidance to all humanity.
Our existence and sustenance come from Jesus. He is the source of life. In Him, we find true life, both physical and spiritual. Let us seek His light in our daily walk and to reflect His light to others.
Reflection for the Day
Since it’s Christmas morning where you are, this passage feels especially alive. John doesn’t begin with a manger, shepherds, or angels. He begins with eternity. He wants you to see that the Child born in Bethlehem is the eternal Word, the Light that existed before the sun, the Life that breathes life into all creation. And yet— this eternal Word became flesh. He entered the world not in power but in vulnerability. He pitched His tent among us, choosing to dwell in the ordinary, the imperfect, the fragile.
Today’s invitation is simple but profound. Let the Light enter your tent. In your work, in your relationships, in your quiet moments and in the places that feel shadowed or uncertain. The Light does not force its way in. It shines, gently but persistently. It asks only to be welcomed. And when you welcome Him, you receive what John calls: “grace upon grace.” Not just enough grace— but overflowing, renewing, transforming grace.
God is not distant. He is the God who comes close, who takes on flesh, who dwells with you. His light is stronger than any darkness you face.
In the beginning, the Word was there,
With God, in divine love and care.
The Word was God, eternal and true,
In the beginning, with God, He knew.
Through Him, all things came to be,
The stars, the earth, the sky, the sea.
In Him was life, pure and bright,
And that life was the light of all mankind.
The light that shines in the darkest night,
Guiding us with its radiant light.
The Word made flesh, our Savior dear,
Bringing hope, casting out fear.
In the beginning, the Word was there,
With God, in divine love and care.
Through Him, all things were made,
In His light, we are forever saved.
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus,
We come before You in awe and reverence, acknowledging Your divine nature and eternal presence. In the beginning, You were with God, and through You, all things were made.
We thank You for being the source of life, The light that shines in the darkness, guiding us with Your truth and love. Help us to recognize Your presence in our lives, and to live in the light of Your grace.
Grant us the wisdom to see Your hand in creation, and the strength to follow Your path. May we reflect Your light to those around us, bringing hope and joy to a world in need.
Amen.
Pericope:
I: Prologue
PROLOGUE
John 1:1-18
Gospel Acclamation
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
Published:
December 31, 2024, 8:15 AM
