Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 1, 1-18

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 came to be through him,
        and without him nothing came to be.
    What came to be through him was life,
        and this life was the light of the human race;
    the light shines in the darkness,
        and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light, 
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
    He was in the world,
        and the world came to be through him,
        but the world did not know him.
    He came to what was his own,
        but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God, 
to those who believe in his name, 
who were born not by natural generation 
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision 
but of God.
    And the Word became flesh
        and made his dwelling among us,
        and we saw his glory,
        the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
        full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying, 
“This was he of whom I said, 
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me 
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses, 
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, 
has revealed him.

Christmas is hope

1. In the beginning.  “In the beginning was the Word… And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus is the Word. Today, we celebrate Life itself by rejoicing that the Word became flesh. Jesus came to reveal a way of living—a lifestyle we now call Christianity. He teaches us that at the core of everything is Love. You’re called to love and to share love with others. Remember, each of us has a purpose in life: to love and to be there for someone. Keep your eyes on the Christ Child so that God can continue to touch the child’s heart within you.

2. The light. The light shines in the darkness, and every season has its purpose. Perhaps this past year was difficult for you, as it was for me, filled with challenges and heartache. Yet, the light remains. Don’t allow yourself to linger in the darkness, because there’s light ahead. Today, give yourself the chance to step into the light by letting go of whatever keeps you in darkness.

3. Shine. Today, start to brighten the lives of others so they too can see the light within themselves. As Christians, we’re called to share light with the world. Don’t lose hope—there is a living God, and as long as you have life, there’s hope.

I want to end with a prayer before Baby Jesus: 

My dear little Jesus, my newborn Lord, I bow before you just as the shepherds did, and adore you.

Just like over two thousand years ago, the powerful do not recognize Life, but the humble and simple do. 

Today, I offer you my life and invite you to dwell within me. 

Heal us with your gentle love and guide us to walk in your ways. 

Jesus, help us see your light and live in your grace, for you are our comfort and strength. 

We bow before you today.

Merry Christmas! Always remember that something good is on the way! 

God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.