April 12, 2009

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. John 1:1-18

Happy Easter! Before we all start munching on Cadbury Eggs and putting on pink pinnafores, let us consider what this holy day means. We are children of light. I like to look at the burning of a candle and examine its fullness, its grace, its warmth and think of that as the source of our life and energy. Easter means that the light and life of Christ shines through death and darkness. All the sadness and silence of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday has been invaded by the light of life.

This passage is a rather strange beginning to the Gospel of John, but I like it because it's different. It transcends the genealogy (aka "The Begats") that start off the other gospels and starts with the truth of it all. Jesus is wonderful and to be praised because he is The Word made flesh. He is the promise of God incarnate; as God's children we live this promise in the light. Hallelujah!

Loving and Merciful God, Thank you for the gift of your Son, the word made flesh, light from light that we may be called the sons and daughters of God. Fill us with your light and renew our lives this Easter that we may persevere in faith, hope, and love. In the name of the One through which we are made whole, Amen.

Elaine Murray, senior
 

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