John 1:1-18
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 overcome 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.
15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
From Among Us to Within Us
Today's Gospel sums up Jesus' Person, the reason and the aim of His incarnation, “God from God, Light from Light, Begotten not Made” as we say in the Nicene Creed. He took flesh for our Salvation.
Those who receive Him are given the grace to become sons and daughters of God. This is the core of Christmas, receiving and welcoming Jesus' presence and celebrating with Him as individuals, families, and church congregations. Without His presence in places like our tables and within ourselves at Eucharist, festivities are devoid of the true Christmas Spirit.
He lived among us. He didn't impose Himself on anybody, but He knocks at our doors asking our permission to let Him in to be the Master of our home, family and our inner being.
He loves everyone. He came to save and never to condemn. Our salvation depends upon how we respond to His grace that is bestowed for free. "You have been created without your will, but you can't be saved without your will,” said St. Thomas Aquinas.
The New Year was named after Him, Anno Domini (A.D), ”in the year of our Lord.” May we be aware of this Name and of the trust He has in us to engrave this name on our hearts, thoughts and the works of our hands. Witness to this Name throughout the coming years.
May the blessings of Christmas inspire our witness for His glory throughout the New Year.
May others "see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
We are called and sent to be salt and light, to live as an example for those looking for true life, human dignity and peace. Emmanuel, God is with us, let us be with Him.