Scripture: John 1:1

Reflection: In the beginning . . .

These words, found at the beginning of John’s Gospel take us back to the first words in our Bible.  In the beginning, the book of Genesis starts, there was God.  Actually, the word in Hebrew means “before the beginning”, that is, before time God was there.  The writer of John makes a strong connection between the coming Messiah, Jesus, and the time before time.  A concept that is very hard for us to grasp since we are bound by time.  Who or what is this Word that was present with God in the beginning?  The Word in Greek can be translated as “reason” or “purpose”.  Here is it being used to tie the God who spoke creation into being with Jesus.  Word is often used as a reference to Jesus because he spoke the living word of God to people.  Jesus was the embodiment of God’s words of creation, hope, forgiveness, love and justice.  This Gospel wants to make it clear that Jesus is the living word of God in human form.  I take great comfort in knowing that Jesus has always been with God.  I don’t pretend to understand this fully.  I can only catch a glimpse of the community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit found in God.  And, yet, I know that I am tied to this community through the gift of faith. So, if Jesus came and lived our life after being present since before the beginning with God, I bow in thanks and praise.  God is present and God understands.  We have all caught a glimpse of what and who God is.  What a gift at Christmas or any time of the year!      

Prayer:  Creator God, we give thanks that you spoke creation into being.  As we worship your living Word, Jesus, remind us of your faithfulness to us.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Author: Deborah Conner, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care

year in the Bible

A Year in the Bible, Beginning January 1, 2021, myersparkpres.org/bible – Join with reading plans for all ages, from children to adult. Supplemented with videos, celebrations, and discipleship events.

This year, find out about Balaam and his talking Donkey. Read the Bible in 2021.

[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].