John 1:1-9 (NRSV)
Read John 1:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Verse 2He was in the beginning with God. Verse 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being Verse 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Verse 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Verse 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. Verse 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. Verse 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. Verse 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
Devotion
The Greek word used for the word "world" here is "cosmos." It reminds us that the entire universe—that is, everything—was made possible because of the Word. And that Word became flesh and lived among us.
My son has decided to double major in physics and astronomy. This has drawn me to explore in more depth what it is that he wants to be, an astrophysicist. The astrophysicist's world is overwhelming. Our little blue dot (in the universe calling earth even a dot is an exaggeration) is relatively insignificant in this vast galaxy. So how is a person of faith to even begin to comprehend or understand what it means that the one who created it all also chose to be one of us? Yet we dare to confess: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Prayer
Holy Lord, Creator of the universe, what am I to be a subject of your love? You call to me in the noise that is around me to do the same—to love someone else who is not me. I am not worthy of your love, but I am able to share it. Thank you Lord for trusting me with this awesome gift and responsibility. Amen.