Every Christmas, a friend of mine writes a long letter to his wife, reviewing the events of the year and dreaming about the future. He always tells her how much he loves her, and why. He also writes a letter to each of his daughters. His words of love make an unforgettable Christmas present.
We could say that the original Christmas love letter was Jesus, the Word made flesh. John highlights this truth in his gospel: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). In ancient philosophy, the Greek for Word, logos, suggested a divine mind or order that unites reality, but John expands the definition to reveal the Word as a person: Jesus, the Son of God who was with God in the beginning (v. 2). This Word, the Fathers one and only Son, became flesh and made his dwelling among us (v. 14). Through Jesus the Word, God reveals Himself perfectly.
Theologians have grappled with this beautiful mystery for centuries. However much we may not understand, we can be certain that Jesus as the Word gives light to our dark world (v. 9). If we believe in Him, we can experience the gift of being Gods beloved children (v. 12).
Jesus, Gods love letter to us, has come and made His home among us. Now thats an amazing Christmas gift!
INSIGHT
In this account of Jesuss life, John the disciple notes the supreme irony: the Creator visits His creation, and His creation does not recognize Him (John 1:10). More than that, Gods chosen people reject their Messiah: He came to that which was his own [Israel], but his own did not receive him (v. 11). It would seem, then, that Jesuss visit to our planet was not a success. But many did believe, and John emphasizes, To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (vv. 1213).