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Listen while you read: "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen"1 (Lyrics) |
John 1:1-4,14 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 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. (NIV)
As a writer, I always use a thesaurus to help me to choose a word that will best communicate the idea that I want to convey. A thesaurus is also useful in selecting a different word with the same meaning in order to get my point across and to avoid sounding redundant. Contemplating this experience, I realized that words express the thought and nature of the writer or speaker. Likewise, today's Scripture refers to Jesus as "the Word", because He expresses the very thought and nature of God.
The opening passage of John's gospel is similar to the opening words of Genesis. The writer intends for us to understand that the Word existed in eternity prior to the appearance of the physical world. He was involved in creation and is the source of light and life itself.
This is perhaps the strongest affirmation of the deity of Christ in the Bible. These verses set forth the fact that the Word is God and at the same time is distinct from God. Since such a relationship is beyond our understanding, we can accept it only by faith.
"The Word made flesh" is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. How awesome to think that the Babe that Mary delivered into the world was the Creator of the universe — the One who breathed the breath of life into her soul!
John 6:63b – The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV)
Therefore, the next time we hear that old, familiar Christmas story, let us pay closer attention to the miraculous event which took place more than two thousand years ago.
We should ask ourselves how the Word of Life affects the way that we live. How can we reflect His glory?
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, as we honour the birthday of Your Son, we stand in awe of the amazing revelation of Your grace and truth. We thank You that through the incarnation of Your Word, we now have a greater understanding of what is in Your heart and mind, especially the salvation of our souls. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks Lori!
Beautiful words, Lori. Have a Merry Christmas.
Lori, your devotionals always speak to my heart. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Beautifully written, thank you. I, too, use a thesaurus, a good help to share the good news.
Lori, I particularly appreciate your devotional as I too am a writer, and editor.
Thank you for interpreting this passage in a way I had not considered.
Hi Lori,
Wonderful words of truth, “The Word” became flesh and is with us still!
Thank you for writing and a merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you for all your “letters” this past year!! I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and pray your message in the New Year will be as strong and following His example. I look forward to your submissions.
(Florida)
Dear Lori,
“… Today’s Scripture refers to Jesus as “the Word”, because He expresses the very thought and nature of God.
Jesus expresses the very thought and nature of God.”
This brought together some profound expanded thoughts for me.
Thank you for your words.
May God grant you many more to share. Merry Christmas!
I always enjoy your contributions to the Presbyterian Prayer letter.
Thanks be to God as you say, for The Word who became one of us.
I was wondering last night if at this time before His birth was Jesus wondering what it would be like to be a newborn baby?
I enjoyed a piece you sent 18th September, 2017 called Songs of creation.
I have wondered how the stones would sing etc., and you explained it so well.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2018.
A timely reminder of the awesomeness of the God we serve, as well as His plan in sending Jesus. May we not forgot the wonder of His love as we celebrate the birthday of the One we call Lord and Saviour, God’s wondrous gift to us.