December 25, 2024

Scripture

John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 1who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of 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.

Reflection

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him.” As I reflect upon these words of the apostle John, I’m taken back to the many years that I was part of the world that did not know Him. Each Christmas we’d decorate, get gifts from Santa and of course sing songs. I had heard all the songs sung about angels and a baby, and men traveling, and of course about boughs of holly, a famous reindeer and snowman with a magic hat. My first Christmas after I was finally aware of Jesus and His free gift of redemption for me. I was finally someone who DID receive Jesus, who believed in His name and had the right to become a child of God, born of God. For the 22 years prior, I did not know what was truly being celebrated at Christmas. I never put much thought into the baby, the birth, that showed up in Christmas songs. However, that first holiday season, it was as if I were hearing some of those songs for the very first time. “Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled”... wait, what? “God and sinners reconciled” This song was about Jesus! I had no idea before. So many wonderful songs had so much more meaning to me now that I knew the truth. Each year since, I still recall this revelation and smile and praise God that I saw that light. My family and I celebrate the birth of our Savior and I thank God that I’m now one of the reconciled sinners!

Prayer

Lord, today as we open presents, let us thank and praise You for Your gift of redemption, freely given to all. A gift we receive by faith through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Stephanie Geving