Pastor Tom Johnson, January 2, 2022
On Christmas Day last week we heard the first portion of our reading from John chapter one. Today we look at this whole introduction to John’s Gospel account. It’s often called “the hymn of the Word” or simply “the prologue.” This hymn is perhaps the most profound and beautiful words written about the Word made flesh whom we have come to know as Jesus Christ. Last week we saw how this Scripture is about 1900 years ahead of our best scientific minds who only recently agree that the universe has a beginning. What I want for us to celebrate this morning is not only the gift of creation and the gift of the Christ Child born over 2000 years ago. I want us also to celebrate the gift of Christ who has always brought light and life to Creation.
Creation itself cries out the true light. Psalm 19 says the sky above preaches a sermon 24 hours a day. And its message is preached globally.
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; whose voice is not heard. Yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”
Our Scripture is not a story of the Word creating the world, stepping away for all human history, and then deciding to show up again. No, this Scripture reminds us that the Word is the True Light. The True Light enlightens all creation. And the True light has been enlightening all people since the dawn of time. When Moses compiles and writes the Scripture in first five books of the Hebrew Bible he is enlightened by the Word and True Light. The grace and truth of God that show up in these stories is the eternal Word. Later in the fullness of time, that same Word becomes flesh.
The Word made flesh is Jesus of Nazareth, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary but who also has no beginning. He is the eternal Word who left his heavenly throne to take on our humanity. He entered the darkness of this troubled world. He walked, talked, healed, and called us to follow him. Wherever he went his true light shone. He enlightened all of those who came across his path. He called on us to be the light of the world along with him—to let the light of Christ shine through us. We who have received this light. We who are enlightened now get to radiate that light to those who still dwell in darkness so that they too can give thanks and praise to the eternal Word who created us all.
This is a wonderful reminder during this Christmas season. Jesus’ story is not limited to his entering history as a Baby in the manger to live 33 years, die, and rise again. He is the one who shines in all creation now, has shined since before the creation of the cosmos, and will shine until he comes again in blinding glory. The amazing thing about light is that it cannot be overcome by darkness as our Scripture reminds us. Darkness is the absence of light. Darkness cannot be gathered up. Darkness does not emanate from a source. Darkness cannot block light. Darkness cannot cover light.
If you ever toured a cave, I’m sure you have experienced this. They try to give the experience of absolute darkness. Everyone has to turn off their devices. After the last candle flame is blown out, even the smoldering wick is enough to illuminate the room until its tiny embers die out. This is a beautiful and hopeful reminder. The darkest places in our world cannot put out the light. The darkest chapters of human history will not snuff out Christ’s light. Those experiencing deep darkness in our communities and world can still experience great light. The light wants to shine even in the darkest nights of our souls.
This not only gives us personal hope. It gives us hope to all the world. There is no darkness too deep where Christ’s light cannot shine. This is why he came: to bring light, forgiveness, and life to all creation. It encourages us to pray with faith and confidence. It inspires us to pray—not just for the darkness around ourselves—but globally. God assures our prayers reach the Word made flesh who enlightens everyone. God assures our hopes and prayers for this beautiful and broken world are not in vain because he is the Word who enlightens everyone. His light radiates through the Word of Scripture. Our hearts burn within us as the Word illumines and warms the core of our spiritual being. His light shines through our Communion together at the Table this morning as we sing and give thanks for the Word that feeds us body and soul.
Let us all with gladsome voice
Praise the God of heaven,
Who, to bid our hearts rejoice,
His own Son hath given.
To this vale of tears He comes,
Here to serve in sadness,
That with Him in heav’n’s fair homes
We may reign in gladness.
(“Let Us All with Gladsome Voice,” LSB 390 vv. 1-2)
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