The Word Made Flesh: Reflecting on

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the Church invites us to reflect on one of the most profound passages in all of Scripture: the Prologue of John's Gospel.

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

These opening words echo the first words of Genesis, but John takes us even further back—before creation itself. The Word that existed from eternity chose to enter time. The Light that illuminates all things chose to shine in our darkness.

The Mystery of the Incarnation

What strikes me most about today's reading is the beautiful paradox at its heart. The infinite became finite. The eternal entered time. God, who dwells in unapproachable light, made his dwelling among us in the vulnerability of human flesh.

John writes: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This wasn't a distant god sending messages from afar. This was God pitching his tent in our midst, sharing our humanity, walking our roads, knowing our struggles.

Light in the Darkness

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

As we close out this year, these words offer profound hope. Whatever darkness we've faced—personal struggles, losses, uncertainties—the Light continues to shine. The darkness cannot comprehend it, cannot extinguish it, cannot overcome it.

This is the promise of Christmas that echoes into every day of our lives: Emmanuel, God with us. Not God far off, but God near. Not God watching from a distance, but God entering into the fullness of human experience.

Becoming Children of God

Perhaps the most beautiful promise in today's gospel is this: "To those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God."

The Word became flesh so that we might become children of God. This is the great exchange, the wonderful mystery we celebrate not just at Christmas, but every day of our Christian life.

As we prepare to enter a new year, today's gospel reminds us that we don't walk alone. The Word who became flesh walks with us. The Light who shines in darkness illuminates our path. And we, who have received him, have been given the power to become children of God.

A Prayer for the New Year

As we reflect on this gospel on the last day of the year, let us pray:

Lord Jesus, Word made flesh, thank you for dwelling among us. Thank you for bringing light into our darkness. Help us to receive you more fully in the year ahead, and to live as true children of God. Give us grace to reflect your light to a world that so desperately needs it. Amen.

May the Word made flesh bless you and keep you in the year ahead.