The Light of Jesus
Posted on Dec 29, 2021 by Shari Van Baale
This week’s Gospel is the first section of the first chapter of the book of John. It is a fitting way to start the new year, because it will be 2022 by the time we read it in church this Sunday.
“John 1:1-18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning ‘The Word.’ This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth.” (https://www.bibleref.com/John/1/John-1-1.html)
It starts with, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1-2)
"The Word" refers to Jesus. He was with us even as the world began.
John 1 also references the light. “What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:3b-5)
After the earth, light was the next thing God created. “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:3-4)
Jesus referred to himself as the light. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ ” (John 8:12)
Next year is a new beginning. May the light of Jesus shine brightly through you.
Shari Van Baale
Communications Coordinator