In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:1-5 (New Revised Standard Version)
This begins one of my favorite Scriptures, especially on Christmas Eve. In the beginning… it seems like there are so many beginnings and endings and beginnings in life. It can get exhausting. And yet, here we are anchored in any beginning – In the beginning was the Word…with God and…was God. Jesus, the Word. And coming into being in him was Life and Light – of all people, of the family of God, of community. A Light so powerful that no darkness can overcome it. No endings, no exhaustion can overcome it. Our Triune God – God the Creator, Jesus the Word, Spirit the community.
Last night I spoke to a man who wanted to die – his circumstance felt so dire, so hopeless. He didn’t want to be a burden. He wanted an ending; back to Jesus by his own hand looked the best option. I couldn’t answer why. I couldn’t change his circumstances, his health, his finances. All I could offer was God’s love and
my care, Jesus’ powerful Life and Light, and the Spirit’s sense of belonging. I could offer a hope which the darkness couldn’t overcome. Another beginning…and for last night, it was enough. Light and Life prevailed.
Prayer: Holy Three, remind us that you are enough, that you are our Hope. In all our beginnings and endings, in our exhaustion and despair, you are the Life that sustains us and the Light that shines the way, for ourselves and for others. Thank you. Amen.
Wondering While Waiting: When have you witnessed the Light overcoming the darkness? What new beginning or new life came forth?
Amy – Leadership Team: Inspire. Ignite. Invite.
Elkhart, IN
