Merry Christmas!

Gospel: Jn 1:1-16

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122523-Day.cfm

The Catholic church has numerous reading options depending on the time of day. I decided to go with the daytime reading which is from the gospel of John.

As a child, I often took the “word” in this passage to mean scripture, but the “word” that this passage mentions is far more than that. This “word” is what was spoken that brought existence into being. The word that existed before mankind existed, before we had religion, before there was the fullness of creation. It was the catalyst of creation. This word did not segregate or separate but was unifying. After it was spoken, God saw that the creation was good. God wanted an object to love. In the birth of Jesus, it is this word that became flesh and dwelled among us. God became fully Emmanual, or with us, through this moment in history.

“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” God enlightens everyone, not a select few. God made special accommodations for those who were overlooked and condemned by society: those with sickness, those of a different nationality, those seen as sinners, those with disreputable professions. He elevated the lowly to lead the way back to the original order of creation; a time when we lived with God and each other in hope, peace, joy, and love. We are all called to continue this mission: to bring God’s kingdom into reality.

What a blessing! What a gift at that first Christmas! God is with us and we are with God. Merry Christmas! Blessings to you and yours in the new year!