Listen Up

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14)

Sunday is Christmas Day. We started our trek toward the light four weeks ago. We have finally arrived at the light of the world, Jesus Christ in the manager. By Sunday, all 29 candles on our advent log will be lit. The light of Jesus shines brightly: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:1-14.[1] The Scripture texts this week remind us that God spoke to his people on earth first through the prophets, then through Jesus, and he continues to speak to us today through his Spirit. This week’s lessons are examples of God the communicator.

Isaiah writes “How beautiful . . . are the feet of him who brings the good news of happiness, who publishes salvation . . . the voice of your watchmen–they lift up their voice” (Isaiah 52: 7). God used Isaiah to communicate his message of hope to his people. Isaiah’s words predicted that God would send Jesus to comfort us, to assure us that he is our Savior—and that through him our sins would be forgiven. That is good news indeed. God also used the author of Hebrews to remind his readers of the prophecy that came true in the person of Jesus: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son . . . He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature . . .” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

God used John to eloquently communicate the depth of God’s love for us by his repetitive use of the term “Word” in the first few verses of the gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . .. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14). What is the meaning of “Word” as used by John? It was a term used by Jewish and Greek theologians and philosophers. In Hebrew Scripture and thought, it was used as an agent of creation, the source of God’s law through the prophets, and as an expression of God. John uses the term Word to refer to Jesus (John 1:14) his friend, who also happened to be the Creator of the universe.[2] The Word was Jesus– friend, God, Creator, and Savior of us all. The God of the universe left his position of comfort, power, and adoration to become the baby of poor peasants, who would grow into the man who was scorned, mocked, hated, and killed—all of which he endured because of his love for us.

The texts recount not only the prophecies of Jesus’ ministry as the Messiah, but also the announcement by Jesus’ contemporary and cousin, John the Baptist: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light.” (John 1:6-8). As Isaiah was God’s prophet, John the Baptist was God’s announcer, the broadcaster of good news. Similarly, Jesus calls us to share the good news with others.

Listen up–the Good News has been proclaimed! Jesus is calling your name. He is calling you to come to him. Calling you to be gathered up by him and engulfed in his arms. Calling you to come out of the darkness and into the light. Calling you to turn your burdens over to him. Calling you to use the unique abilities he has gifted you with to help others. Calling you to be embraced in the fullness of his incredible love. Are you listening? Can you hear?

Diane Cieslikowski Reagan

[1] The Scripture texts for The Nativity of Our Lord are Psalm 2; Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-14.

[2] Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale House and Zondervan, NIV, note p. 1869.