Advent Trail December 1st - 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. (John 1:1-5)

When we think of the Christmas story in the Gospels, what comes to mind is usually angels, shepherds and wise men, and a baby lying in a manger. But John’s Gospel begins very differently. John wants us to see beyond the details of the story to its meaning and significance. So he takes us right back to the creation of everything and to the unique relationship of Jesus to God.

Jesus was with God in the beginning. He is the Word of God, the one through whom God spoke the universe into existence. So he is one with God and has always existed in eternity with him. Not only was “the Word with God” but “the Word was God” – the Son who is co-equal with the Father. All of life owes its existence to him – “in him was life” – and true life is found in him alone.

This is the one who was born at Bethlehem – “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). As God’s Word, Jesus alone can reveal God to us, so that we “may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). That’s why he came. That’s the meaning of Christmas; that’s the message contained within the familiar nativity story. This Advent, be ready to hear him speak to you about how you “may have life in his name” (John 20:31).