The Word Became Flesh: Reflecting on Christmas Day (John 1:1-18)

On this Christmas morning, we turn to one of the most profound passages in all of Scripture: the opening of John's Gospel. While Matthew and Luke give us the familiar nativity scenes with mangers and shepherds, John takes us somewhere deeper, somewhere that existed before time itself.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

These opening words echo the very first verse of Genesis, reminding us that the baby born in Bethlehem is not merely a great teacher or prophet, but the eternal Word through whom all things were made. The Creator has entered His creation.

John tells us that this Word, who was with God from the beginning, became flesh and dwelt among us. The Greek word for "dwelt" literally means "pitched his tent" or "tabernacled" among us. God has not remained distant. He has moved into the neighborhood. He has made His home with humanity.

This is the scandal and the glory of Christmas: the infinite God becomes finite, the eternal enters time, the invisible becomes visible. The Word that spoke galaxies into existence now cries as an infant. The hands that formed Adam from dust now grasp Mary's finger.

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men."

In a world that often feels dark, where suffering and confusion cloud our vision, the light has come. Not as a distant star, but as a person. Not as an abstract concept, but as a baby who would grow to declare, "I am the light of the world."

John reminds us that this light "shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." On this Christmas Day, we celebrate that truth. No matter how dark the night may seem, the light of Christ cannot be extinguished. It shines still, steady and sure.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

This is what we celebrate today. Not just a birth, but an arrival. Not just a baby, but the very presence of God with us. Emmanuel. God with us.

The God who needs nothing has come to us who need everything. The Word who spoke creation into being has spoken the final word: Love has come down. Grace has taken human form. Truth has a face, and His name is Jesus.

As you celebrate this Christmas Day, may you know afresh the wonder of this truth: the Word became flesh. God is with us. The light shines in the darkness. And nothing can overcome it.

Merry Christmas.