1st January 2012 John 1:1-18

The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood  it. [6] There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. [7] He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. [8] He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. [9] The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.  [10] He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. [12] Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [15] John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ” [16] From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. [17] For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. [18] No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only,  who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.

What a great place to start in the new year; in the beginning.

I didn't understand this start of John's gospel until I studied the new testament two years ago.  I'd heard it many times but never realised that "the word" is Jesus.  It was like a light had been switched on, the light of the world.

Now these words sit with me all the time; when I write, preach, share or teach the word, I'm sharing Jesus.  It's amazing, an honour, a responsibility, a gift of grace.

Jesus, word of god, light of the world be with us today and through this year as we read, hear and feel your goodness and love.  Amen