2020 Advent Devotional – Day 26

Light

John 1: 1–14

In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)

Video: John 1: 1–14

Reflection

John’s words, in the well-known if somewhat esoteric introduction to his gospel, encapsulate not only the essence of yesterday’s carol, but the spirit of so many of the readings and carols we have enjoyed this Advent. Jesus has come into the world bringing life and light.

And for those struggling to come to terms with, or be at peace with, our lives this year, light is perhaps the greatest gift we could wish for. For in the light of Christ, we have all that we need.

Like the light of a beacon, we have the direction and guidance of Jesus’ teaching to lead us safely into a new year. As Jesus did, we are inspired to welcome, include and forgive generously; to nurture our relationships and care for our world.

Like the light of a fire, we have the comfort and warmth of Jesus’ ministry to reassure us and bring us peace. Jesus, who calmed the storm on Lake Galilee and cast out unclean spirits, knows what it is to struggle. Through Jesus we have God’s presence in our lives to soothe and sustain us in times of pain and fear.

Like the light of the sun, we have the life-giving energy of God’s love to strengthen and renew our hearts with hope. With Jesus we are reminded that we are never alone, for he is with us always. In Jesus, we have the promise of God in our lives, awakening us to the possibility in each new day.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, so too we celebrate the life that Jesus went on to have. A life of reaching out to comfort and care for humankind. A life of understanding and acceptance. A life that reminds us that we are children of God and always loved.

Reading

John 1: 1–14

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 all humankind.  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 testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.  He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

If you’re enjoying the carols each day, there’s now a YouTube playlist you can listen to that contains all the carols shared so far. The playlist will grow as the devotional series progresses, with each day’s carol being added. By Christmas Day, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack of worship and praise.  Click here to listen.