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John 1:1-14

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

2             The same was in the beginning with God.

3             All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made.

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

5             The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.

6             There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7             The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.

8             He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

9             The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

10          He was in the world, and the world as made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.

11          He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.

12          But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:

13          who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14          The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Who is Jesus?

This question is one we’re going to be talking about in the next three parts, looking at keyways to describe who this new-born baby will be. John introduces Jesus as the Word became flesh. All things were made through Jesus. John calls Jesus the true light, who came to enlighten the world. Jesus gave the right to become God’s children. Let’s go and break this down:

• Jesus is the Word of God became flesh.
• Jesus is the true light that enlightens everyone.
• Jesus is the path to becoming God’s children.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Which one these things do you best understand Jesus to become?

Word of God is Alive

The Word of God from the Start

This connects back to the earlier Genesis creation story. It’s showing the pre-existence of Jesus, showing He was there before the world itself was created. In Jewish thought, the Word of God is associated with creation, revelation, and salvation. By claiming the word was here, there’s a bridge between Jewish and Greek understanding – showing that this Word connects to the divine agent of creation and revelation. This was a word that wasn’t just spoken word, but a person that is active in this world. The Word was in a close relationship with God. This simply highlights the impact of Trinity, and the future coming of the Holy Spirit. It was a clear statement of the Jesus’s divine nature, showing that the Word was equal to God.

The Word Became Flesh

Jesus was going to take on human form, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies often found in Isaiah. By becoming flesh, Jesus bridged the divine and human, showing His true role as the mediator between God and humanity. Jesus is going to be the new tabernacle. This dwelling references back to the Old Testament tabernacle, where God’s presence resided among the Israelites. The Greek word used to describe dwelling, shows that it would have been temporary, like pitching a tent.

The Word in our Life Today

Jesus being around at the time the world was a revolutionary mindset for me. To understand that Jesus was present at the time the world was created, shows that Him coming to the world to live among was the best example of how God shows us what it meant to live a life in the world that they created. (“they” referring to the Trinity.) For Jesus to come down and live in this world, He was able to bridge the way between see how we lived on the Earth, and a way to show God that would attempt to teach, reach, and guide the people of the earth to live a godly life. There was close and intimate relationship between God and Jesus, and that is the same reflected relationship that we are called to share with each other. A way to work together, come together, and to love each other in the same way that God loved us. For Jesus to come down and be here on earth with gives us a tangible way to see what God was like. It gives us the best route to live a godly life here on earth.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: The Word was with us when the world was created and then came to the world to show us that we can live a godly life. How can this Word help us show to live a strong god-filled live?

The Light Shines Bright

How Bright Will This Light Shine

The true light being Jesus shows the genuine and ultimate source of spiritual illumination. Light symbolizes truth, purity, and divine revelation. God was associated with light. Jesus as the “true Light” contrasts with false teachings and deceptive philosophies. The light of Christ isn’t limited to a specific group but is available to all humanity. It also reflects the fulfillment of prophecies, where the Servant of the Lord is a light to the nation. The world, in this context, humanity in its fallen state, in need of redemption and enlightenment. Jesus’ coming into the world marks the pivotal point in God’s redemptive plan.

How Can We Reflect This Bright Light

As I’ve mentioned, as recipients of Christ’s light. Christians are called to reflect His light in their daily lives. Being that light is what our goal is of the Great Commission. We are called to extend that Good News of Christ’s birth to all those who may not have heard about it. Not only this, but to also showcase what that love and care of Christ is to each other. To be this light was to also combat the darkness. We must remember that we are not Jesus. We cannot do the redemptive work of Jesus to help people their concerns and their sins. However, we can help voice our concerns about potential sinful behavior that the world shows. We can help listen to the concerns that people share. We be the hands and feet of God to meet the needs of all people.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Think about what abundance of items you have. What can you share with those around you to help mee their needs this holiday season?

The Path to God’s Children

Starts With Belief and Faith

Jesus gave people that received God into their heart and believed in who God is and what His mission is for the world. To receive the right and authority to become a part of God’s family, the right to become children of God is a legal and relational term. This new identity isn’t based on our effort, our looks, or our lineage, but only on God’s grace and how much faith we have in Jesus.

Divine Transformation

The new birth transcends our ethnic and familial bonds. This spiritual birth is distinct from our intentions or actions. Paul teaches us that our salvation is a gift from God, alone. This new birth is an act of God, where believers are made new creations in Christ. God promises to give believers a new heart and spirit to His people.

Living as a Child of God

Becoming a child of God starts with one decision, and the journey lasts a lifetime. Making this decision is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Making the decision to invite Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior is the best decision you could make. However – the work to be a child of God is a life-long journey. We go through and learn what is of God and what’s not. We learn the core facets of how to pray, worship, and study the Scriptures properly. We learn how to be in community with other believers, to work through celebrations and griefs with each other, and to learn how to hold each other accountable when it comes to our shortfalls. This transformation comes through the Holy Spirit as we participate more in these acts on a daily and regular basis. The more we do this, the more we learn what it means to be a Child of God.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Being a child of God is one of the best decisions you can make. What was your story of accepting Christ into your heart?

Next part: The Meaning Behind Jesus’ Titles || Curious About Christmas || Part 4