John 1:9-18

9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

This reading carries on from yesterday's and continues the thought of Jesus being the light who comes into the world.

We have come across this theme several times. Isaiah talked about those who walk in darkness seeing a great light. Candles on an Advent wreath symbolise Jesus, the light of the world. All of this fits with the story we have seen unfolding. Darkness entered the world when Adam and Eve sinned but God has had a millennia-long rescue plan. Light breaking into our darkness is one of the ways of talking about God saving the world.

But today's reading tell us of a sad reality: by-and-large, the world rejects God's salvation plan. Jesus was with God in the beginning and He created the world. We saw that yesterday. But today we learn that the world He created does not recognise Him. God had chosen Israel but Israel rejected Him - as do people of every nation. God is motivated by love. He wants us to be reconciled to Him. He has formulated a plan and carried it out at great cost to Himself. But people either do not recognise it, or reject it. How incredibly sad!

Jesus, who is God Himself and who has existed in heaven from the beginning, became a human being. He lived amongst us in our world. He was full of grace and truth (this translation says "unfailing love and faithfulness"). He was altogether good. He revealed God to the world. He revealed the glory of God. God had even sent John the Baptist to prepare people.

And people rejected Him!

But not everybody. Some believed in Him and welcomed Him into their lives. For them something incredible happens. They become children of God. The relationship that Adam and Eve enjoyed in the Garden of Eden was destroyed by their sin but that relationship can be restored. We, who are far from God, can be close again. That is so good that John describes it as receiving one blessing after another.

For Reflection

1. Two responses to Jesus are described in this passage. What are they and what is your response to Him?

Set up a nativity in your house. There are many ways to do that. You can buy one but you can also make one using dolls or pictures cut from card or wooden pieces or whatever you have at hand.

Even better, perhaps you could set it up where it can be seen from outside so as to help remind people what Christmas is really about.

You can even make your own online version.

Dear Lord, it grieves us that some people are not interested in You and reject Jesus. We pray that You will continue, by Your Holy Spirit, to soften hard hearts. Where our hearts are hard, please work on us too. Help us to love You, to understand what You have done for us and to allow You to be Lord of every part of our lives.

In Jesus' name, amen.