1 In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
2 The Word was with God in the beginning.
3 Everything came into being through the Word,
and without the Word
nothing came into being.
What came into being
4 through the Word was life,[a]
and the life was the light for all people.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.
6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. 8 He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light.
9 The true light that shines on all people
was coming into the world.
10 The light was in the world,
and the world came into being through the light,
but the world didn’t recognize the light.
11 The light came to his own people,
and his own people didn’t welcome him.
12 But those who did welcome him,
those who believed in his name,
he authorized to become God’s children,
13 born not from blood
nor from human desire or passion,
but born from God.
14 The Word became flesh
and made his home among us.
We have seen his glory,
glory like that of a father’s only son,
full of grace and truth.
Reflection
“But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children—born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.” (John 1:12–13)
John reminds us that the eternal Word, who was with God and was God, stepped into our world. The Light that created all things entered the darkness, not to condemn it, but to bring life. And though many did not recognize or welcome him, Scripture tells us something extraordinary: those who did were given the right to become children of God, they are born from God.
For all who believe in Jesus and welcome him into their lives, a new birth takes place. This birth is not determined by family background, social standing, or life circumstances. It is a birth that comes directly from God. While many things in life are shaped by where or how we are born, this gift transcends all boundaries. Through Christ, we are welcomed into the greatest family there is: the family of God.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season let us truly believe in Jesus, welcome him into our hearts, and receive the gift he offers—the gift of belonging, identity, and life as God’s children.
There is no greater gift, there is no greater hope, than being born from God!
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
- Have you truly welcomed Jesus into your life?
- Are you living in the confidence that you born from God?
Prayer: Almighty Savior, thank you for being the Light of the world. Help us to recognize your light and believe in your holy name. May we welcome you fully into our hearts and receive the gift you freely give—being born into the family of God. We love you, Lord! Amen.
