In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

And it came to pass in those days that a man named John came baptizing in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And many came to him, confessing their sins and being baptized.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, to be baptized by John. And as he came up from the water, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days and was tempted by the devil. But Jesus remained steadfast, resisting the devil's temptations and emerging victorious.

And it came to pass that Jesus began his ministry, going throughout Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every kind of disease and affliction among the people. And crowds began to follow him, amazed by his teaching and the miracles he performed.

And it came to pass that one day, while Jesus was teaching by the sea, a great multitude gathered around him. He got into a boat and sat down, while the people stood on the shore listening to his words. He spoke of the kingdom of God, using parables to teach the people about the nature of God and his love for them.

And it came to pass that as Jesus traveled throughout the land, he encountered many people in need: the sick, the blind, the lame, and the demon-possessed. He healed them all, showing compassion and love to those who were suffering.

And it came to pass that one day, while Jesus was in the city of Jerusalem, he entered the temple and found moneychangers and merchants selling goods. And he was angered by their exploitation of the temple, and he overturned their tables and drove them out, saying, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."

And it came to pass that the religious leaders of the day were threatened by Jesus' teachings and sought to discredit him. They questioned him, trying to trap him in his words, but Jesus always responded with wisdom and grace.

And it came to pass that the time came for Jesus to fulfill his mission. He gathered with his disciples in an upper room and celebrated the Passover meal with them. He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." He took a cup of wine, blessed it and gave it to them, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."

And it came to pass that after the meal, they went out to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed and was betrayed by one of his own disciples. And he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death on a cross. And he died, was buried, and on the third day rose again, conquering sin and death.

And it came to pass that in his resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and showed that he was indeed the Son of God. He appeared to his disciples, who became witnesses of his resurrection and went out to share the good news with the world.

And so it is written that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a life of love and compassion, and died and rose again to save all who believe in him from their sins. Through his sacrifice, we are reconciled to God and given eternal life.

And it came to pass that Jesus ascended into heaven, but before he left, he gave his disciples a commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded them.

And it came to pass that the disciples obeyed, going out into the world, sharing the good news of Jesus and baptizing many. They faced persecution and challenges, but they remained steadfast in their faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

And it came to pass that the church grew and spread, and today, we are still called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and make disciples of all nations. We are called to love our neighbors, care for the sick and the poor, and proclaim the good news of salvation to all who will listen.

And it came to pass that one day, Jesus will return, and all will be made right. The kingdom of God will be fully established, and we will be with him forever, free from sin and death.

And so we give thanks to God for sending his Son to save us, for giving us the Holy Spirit to empower us, and for the hope we have in his promise of eternal life. May we continue to walk in faith, following Jesus and sharing his love with the world. Amen.