Reflections | Solemnity of the Nativity of Jesus (Christmas Day)
By SIDTP SoCom
Published on December 25, 2024
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 to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
On Christmas Day, this Gospel from John gives us a profound insight into the mystery of Christ’s birth. While other Gospels recount the story of Jesus’ birth with angels, shepherds, and a manger, John takes us deeper into the theological truth: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jesus is the eternal Word of God, present from the very beginning. Through Him, all things were created. His coming into the world is not just a historical event but a cosmic reality—God stepping into His creation to bring light and life. The light of Christ shines in the darkness, and no matter how great the darkness, it cannot overcome Him. This truth brings hope to every corner of our lives.
John also reminds us of the tragedy that the world did not recognize or accept Jesus. Even though He created the world, many rejected Him. Yet, for those who do accept Him, He offers the greatest gift: the power to become children of God. Through Jesus, we are no longer distant from God; we are brought into His family and made heirs to eternal life.
The phrase “the Word became flesh” is at the heart of Christmas. It means that God did not remain distant or abstract. Instead, He entered our human experience, sharing in our joys, struggles, and pain. Jesus’ birth is a testament to God’s profound love for us—a love so great that He chose to walk among us, bringing His grace and truth to a world in need.
As we celebrate Christmas, this Gospel invites us to reflect on the immense gift of Jesus. How are we welcoming Him into our lives today? Are we embracing His light, or are there parts of our hearts where we still need His healing and grace?
Christmas is not just about looking back to the manger; it is about recognizing Christ’s presence here and now. He continues to dwell among us—in the Eucharist, in His Word, and in our love for one another. Let us open our hearts to His light and allow Him to transform us, so we too can bring His light to a world that so desperately needs it.
May we, like John, bear witness to the glory of Christ, who is full of grace and truth. And as we celebrate His birth, let us rejoice that through Him, we have been made children of God, heirs to the promise of eternal life. Emmanuel—God is with us.
