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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. 11 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. 15John testified to him and cried out, “This was he 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 in heaven.

 

This beautiful passage from John is the epitome of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, sent in the flesh to the world. He was always God, always in the world. and always eternally full of grace and holy. He was always with us and became flesh among us to redeem with his sacrifice of the cross and glorious resurrection.

 

We have just celebrated Christmas and heard the fulfillment of the promise of God. Christ was sent to be born to a virgin in humble surroundings to save the world. We are in the midst of Christmas, singing hymns of praise and shortly we will move to the season of light or Epiphany.

 

How magnificent to ponder all of this wonder and majesty! Moses was given the law and Christ came giving us his truth and grace. He revealed himself as God’s son on earth. From Handel’s Messiah,” And the glory, the glory of the Lord, shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it”.

 

Throughout the centuries, in a variety of Bible verses, through hymns, poems, and other writings, we see and hear the rewording of these powerful verses from John. It might be helpful to reread the passage out loud, speak and hear every word to further magnify the greatness of our God.

 

Let us pray-As the New Year is beginning, be with us Lord in each step of our journey in faith. Allow us to follow you with meekness and humble thanksgiving for your great love and mercy toward us. Amen.

 

Cindy Dougherty

beachspch@aol.com

 

Prayer concern-Continue to remember those who are without resources of food, home, or employment. Assess with prayer and action areas in which you can lend a helping hand.

 

Alternative verses-Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20