SCRIPTURE
John 1:1-14; Isaiah 49:6
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
John begins his account of Jesus in a way that invites us to look beyond the familiar Christmas scene and see what was there all along.
He doesn't begin with Mary receiving the angel's announcement or Joseph traveling to Bethlehem. He takes us back before the beginning of the world, telling us that the Word was with God and that the Word was God.
Then, in the middle of this breathtaking picture of creation, John brings us to the heart of Christmas: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
And Jesus came as a light.
John says that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. He knew that the world Jesus entered was not an easy place to live. People knew grief and suffering. They needed more than a comforting story or a reason to celebrate.
They needed a Savior. We need a Savior.
God had been preparing His people for this gift long before Jesus was born. Through Isaiah, He spoke of a servant who would be a light to the nations, carrying His salvation to the ends of the earth.
God's invitation would reach the world through Jesus.
The heart of the Christmas story is that God came near to us in Jesus, making a way for us to know Him.
The baby Mary held would grow up to teach and heal, to welcome people others overlooked, and to reveal the heart of His Father. He would give His life for our sins and one day, rise again.
The greatest part of the Christmas story is that Jesus still invites us to follow Him and to let His light shape how we live, pointing people toward the hope we have found in Him.
Think back over the people we've met in this series. The prophets who spoke of a coming King. Mary, who trusted God. Zechariah and Elizabeth, who discovered that their family had a place in God's plan. Joseph, who chose faithfulness. The shepherds, who heard the good news and hurried to see for themselves.
Different stories, all leading us to the same place: Jesus. The Light of the World.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Light of the World. Thank You for keeping Your promises and making a way for us to know You through Him. Let the light of Jesus shape how we love, serve, and engage with others, and give us opportunities to share the hope we have in Him. Amen.
Christmas hymn
Joy to the World
Listen to this hymn and rejoice! The LORD is come!
Discussion
What is one way your family can share the love and hope of Jesus with someone this Christmas?