December 3, 2023 – Advent, week 1

Behold, the Lamb of God!
Read John 1:1-14, below, slowly. It’s written as if Jesus were speaking. Listen well. Sometimes, a new perspective on a familiar passage can open our eyes and hearts in new ways.

In the beginning I was the Word, and I was with God, and I was God. I was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Me, and without Me nothing was created that was created. In Me was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify concerning the Light.

The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. I was in the world, and the world was created through Me, yet the world did not know Me. I came to My own, and My own people did not receive Me. Yet to all who received me, I gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in My name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. I became flesh and came to live among you all, and you all saw My glory, the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Give space to reflect on the passage. How does Jesus transform my darkness into light – in big or small ways?

Some ways to share Christ’s light this week:

• Donate Warmth: Donate sweaters and coats in good condition.

• Spread Joy: Hand write a card & mail it; Give flowers to someone who is alone or needs encouragement

• Embrace silence: Light a candle together, take three deep breathes, sit in silence and calm for five minutes

• Star Gaze: Bundle up and watch the stars together, soak in the glory of God’s Creation