Christmas greetings to you all! It has been a long time.

Despite the many challenges we face, I sincerely pray and hope this season brings you joy and comfort.
Today, we reflect on the Christmas story as recounted by John – 1:1-18. Unlike the other Gospel writers, John does not mention angels, shepherds, Jesus by name, or even Joseph and Mary. Instead, John’s account grounds the Christmas story in creation itself.

John reminds us of the Power of the Spoken Word, that God is our source and Jesus is the light and life we all need. John calls us to practice our belief and to be transformed into who Jesus has called us to be. Who Jesus by his own life and testimony showed us how to live.

John begins with the phrase, “In the beginning was the Word.” This concept calls to mind two popular Jamaican sayings: “there is power in the tongue” and “speak it into being.” Although we might not usually associate Jesus’ coming with these phrases, they perfectly capture what happened in creation. In the beginning, God spoke and brought into existence everything we know—the world, galaxies, planets, stars, mountains, valleys, creatures, seas, rivers, day and night, sun and moon. John’s approach is deeply philosophical. He lived to a ripe old age and so had time to reflect and contemplate the mysteries of faith and life.

John offers us four important reminders about God and Jesus.

God is Our Source: Everything begins with God. John connects the events of creation to Jesus, God’s Son, who came to earth because of God’s love for the world. Jesus is the Word that spoke everything into existence. This spoken Word became flesh at Christmas, as Jesus was born and dwelt among us. Jesus—who is God—became human and lived among people. He inhaled and exhaled just like us.

Jesus is Light and Life: “Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.” Over recent months, we have all felt the need for more light in our lives. Physical darkness is difficult to manage, and spiritual darkness is equally challenging. No solar panels, batteries or kerosene to help us. Often, we ignore or hide our emotional and spiritual struggles. Very often we are not willing to let on, that we don’t quite get it. And sometimes we want it to understand it like a math problem. But the mind and spirit walks differently.
Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to guide us; we do not need to walk in spiritual darkness. Jesus illuminates our path, teaching us how to connect with others, to live with purpose, and love—even when faced with betrayal.

Jesus gives life—abundant, boundless, and active. Each day should be lived fully and authentically, so that others see how much God and they matter to us. Jesus emphasizes that while rules are good, caring for people is most important—living with justice, mercy, humility, and love. Living with dignity, We are called to put aside unhealthy beliefs and old, outdated ways of thinking and behaving.

We are called to Believe and Be Transformed: John notes that the world did not receive Jesus when he came. Yet, we benefit from 2025 years of experience and tradition handed down to us. We are called to believe in Him, welcome Him, and allow His life-giving light to transform us and those around us.

We receive Grace Upon Grace: John reminds us that we live by grace—grace upon grace. God gives us second chances, and Jesus continually brings us back when we stray. In chapter 14, John records Jesus telling Martha, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is both the beginning and the way forward. He is God, the Creator, the Sustainer, and the ‘Source of the light and life’, we need to thrive. We have seen His glory through the miracles He works in our lives.

Embracing Jesus This Christmas

This Christmas, let us once again embrace Jesus, allowing His light and life to fill our hearts and guide our lives.

• Let us choose the healing that Jesus brings us. Let us choose the exciting abundant life Jesus shows us with all its heartaches.
• Let us choose to walk in the light that dispels every darkness, trusting that with Jesus, every new day is an opportunity for hope and renewal. As we gather this season, let us open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s love. Remember, just as God’s Word spoke creation into being, so too can our words and actions speak life, encouragement, and peace to those around us.
• Let us participate in the miracle of Christ’s birth by being compassionate, by making space for joy and healing, and by choosing kindness instead of turning away. New mercies each returning day hover around us while we pray. Each day a fresh chance to reflect the love and light of Christ in a world longing for hope. Let us commit to nurturing faith in ourselves and in others, working God’s grace by restoring relationships, forgiving others.

May we carry the message of John in our hearts: God is our source, Jesus is our light and life, we are called to believe and be transformed, and we live in the assurance of grace upon grace. May these truths shape not just our words, but our lives, and may we to shine light and life to others, reflecting the glory of the One who dwells among us. Amen.