The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. John 1:14a MSG
Occasionally called the neglected Christmas story, the first chapter of John’s gospel describes the incarnation of Christ in philosophical prose. In contrast Matthew and Luke give us nativity narratives which chronicle the birth story of Jesus. John, however, describes Jesus as the Word who came to bring life and light to all who are willing to receive it (1:4). And now, over 2000 years later, that Light still guides our steps and that Life continues to infuse our existence with a sense of purpose and direction.
The gospel accounts are compiled from different vantage points. Just as Matthew’s gospel addresses the historians and genealogists among us, and Luke’s gospel sings to the poet and musician within us, perhaps John’s gospel dialogues with the inquirers and logicians of the world, both past and present.
John proposes that in the beginning of all things, the Word co-existed with God. Before order was brought out of chaos, the Word was with God. Before light emerged out of darkness, the Word was with God. Before the first breath exhaled through human nostrils, the Word was with God. The Word was, is, and always will be in sync with God.
The Greek term translated and personified as the Word is Logos. Logos is a philosophical concept which can be translated as “ultimate meaning” or “reason for being.” During Christmas we may see a slogan that says, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” I think John is actually proposing that “the incarnate Word empowers and informs our reason for being.”
According to John, the Word took on human form and moved into the neighborhood. In other words God not only entered the world for us, but God has chosen to be near and accessible to us. In other words, the God of the universe, who transcends our capacity to comprehend or control, has freely and lovingly chosen to relate to us personally, to communicate with us in a language we can understand…an exemplary human life.
Remarkably, God not only invites us to receive light and life; God also calls us to be life and light wherever we live and wherever we go. As we follow the example of Jesus, we become light and life in our community. As we serve God by serving others, mysteriously, we too become God’s flesh and blood, God’s hands and feet in our neighborhood.
May we follow Jesus as the Light of life, and share the Light with others in the way that we live and serve. Amen.
Cove Creek Reflections 
when Jesus Moved into the Neighborhood:
Barry your comments, teachings, and observations are always profound and revealing. You always give me something entirely new to think about and appreciate how wonderful is God’s grace.
I was thinking how wonderful is the physical light of reality as well as the light of his word. Without his light there would be no Sun or other stars. The universe would be totally dark with only giant hunks of matter moving about in the universe. The total eternal absence of light seems too much hell for anyone, Yet, I doubt if Jesus will ever visit there to share his light.