In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God,and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him,and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created,and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness,and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

John 1:1-18

Dead God, it’s interesting that John’s gospel doesn’t address the incarnation at all and yet it’s the beginning of John that gets read at Christmas services. I hadn’t thought about that much until this year. But I guess it makes sense since Jesus was around way before his birth of Mary. He was in the beginning. The very beginning.

Father, as I close this Christmas 2025, I worship you. I thank you. I offer myself to you. I ask your forgiveness. I receive your forgiveness. And I offer forgiveness to others. I have no rights. Help me to use this life you’ve given me for your purposes and glory.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen