Devotion: January 8, 2021

Christ, the Eternal Word

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

-John 1:1

This Sunday  in the Season of Epiphany, we will turn to the Prologue of the Fourth Gospel as our text, rejoicing in Christ, the Word of God, the life and light of all people, the light that shines here with us in darkness, the light which the darkness cannot extinguish and will never overcome.

John’s Gospel gives us a very different perspective on the true identity of Jesus.  He is none other than the Word of God, present fully with God before Creation, not a lesser deity but “God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made” (Nicene Creed).  In other words, the Lord of the Universe through whom God spoke Creation into being was born into this world a human being.  He is Mary’s son.  His name is Jesus.  So the Word became human and made his home among us. This is, and always will be, the most astounding assertion of our faith.  And for me, it changes the very way I experience creation.  When I look upon an Aspen grove in the Rocky Mountains, or scuba dive among seals, sharks and turtles along a Hawaiian lava tunnel, or sit on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with my dog Remy at my side, my heart thrills to know that my Lord is a part of all I see. The voice that said “love one another as I love you” is the same Voice that said “Let there be light.”  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me to get my head around—yet my heart rejoices to believe!

This week has been an extraordinary test of our faith as we have seen the rise and fall of much that we hold dear as Americans.  How very important it is today to remember Who it is that holds us—with everlasting arms.  We are struggling through the darkness of this contested election with divided loyalties: vulnerable to suspicion, judgment, outrage and despair. We need more than ever to believe in Someone greater than ourselves. WE need to trust in Someone who has promised never to leave or forsake us, to search for and find us when we get lost, to shepherd us to green pastures and still waters–to expiate our transgressions with his blood.  His name is Jesus: the Light of the World.  And now—especially now–we’re called to be Light-Bearers: to carry His light like lantern, bearing his truth and his grace into our common living of these days.

The work of the Church has not changed in two thousand years. Come to worship this Sunday and open your hearts to receive God’s truth, grace and encouragement.  Let the Holy Spirit fill you with the joy and peace of Christ.  Rejoice in the One who said, “Take courage—I have overcome the world!”

 

-Pastor Clint

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