Stephan Hoffman

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14 (NIV)

The gospel according to John began with words and images familiar to the Hellenistic (Greek) language and world in which it was written. The first readers would have been well acquainted with a word such as logos which is translated as “the Word” and imagery of light and darkness.

According to ancient Greek wisdom, the divine and mortal worlds were separated from each other. In verse 14 John departs from that idea, with the wonderful message that “The Word” through which all had come into being, came to live among us. The good news is that God bridged that separation in Jesus Christ. The source of true light has come to shine in this dark world - God with us!

John the Baptist bore witness to the wonderful events; the One who was before him, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of Man has come to the world!

We read in the rest of chapter one, how the disciples began to follow Jesus even though they did not know who he really was, they began to follow Him.

Perhaps you also sometimes feel that the world, in which we live today, is steeped in darkness. Perhaps you feel there is a gulf between you and God. Take comfort that despite the darkness, there is a light shining. The true source of light, goodness and love has come to the world. Like the disciples, you too, can draw nearer and listen to Him. You can start following Him even though you do not understand everything clearly, you can in trust and faith, walk behind Him.  He is the One who can fill you with the Holy Spirit so that in the midst of darkness, you will see his glory. He is the One who can bridge the gulf between you and God or between you and other people.

Come let us walk in his footsteps.

Prayer: Almighty Creator, thank you that you are never far from me. Thank you that in Jesus Christ and through the working of the Holy Spirit, you came to this world of darkness. Thank you that you are near to me, and lead me through your Word and Spirit. Help me anew to be a follower of Jesus. Amen