"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: John 1:1-4

 December 20

"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. In him was life, and the life was the light of all people." -John 1:1-4 (NRSV)

Johns' birth story of Jesus is contained in the first chapter of his gospel. John wrote his gospel years after Matthew, Mark, and Luke, were already written. He did not want to repeat what had already been stated by others so he concentrated on writing about matters that had not yet been recorded and on finding ways to explain the meaning and importance of Jesus. John's story of the Incarnation or "Birth of God" in the infant Jesus is written from the viewpoint of an Apostle who was well educated and expert in both Greek philosophy and the Greek language. John sees the incarnation of Christ as a historical reality that also brought the birth of God's Word (or logos in Greek) into the darkness of our lives and world. He sees Christ was present with God at creation and so integral a part of God that the two are one in many aspects.

Because Christ was a partner in creating life at the beginning, Jesus is also the source of true life now for all people and the only one who can bring God's healing light to us today. Jesus is not only the Source of life but the Creator of new life. When God created, he made something from nothing. Because we are created beings, we have no power apart from God. Realistically then, you exist only because God made you. Yet you also have very special gifts because God gave them to you. With Christ's life and light within, you are someone valuable and unique. Yet apart from Christ you remain in the darkness and can see nothing. From John's viewpoint, if you try to live without him the logos or Christ, you will be nullifying the purpose for which you were created. If you feel that your life is too complex for God to understand, remember God created the universe, and nothing is too difficult for him. God created you! He is still alive today. Rejoice this Advent! God's love and power through Christ is bigger than any problem you can face.

Prayer: Jesus, May your light shine in my darkness. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Darkness can never remove God's light.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)