“Present, Presence, Presents”
John 1:1-14

John’s gospel’s opening constitutes a superb introduction to the meaning of incarnation, God entering the world in human form to redeem human beings. It speaks of the beginning, creation, life, light, and spiritual victory. This truth is the essence of the Christmas story.

This introduction, rooted in divine love, reminds us that we are not alone in the world or during the course of our lives. We have a very present God who came to reveal himself and transform our existence and eternal destiny. The fourth gospel tells us that the Word is Jesus Christ who was in the beginning with God and is God. Because we can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we can spiritually walk in the light instead of being lost in the dark.

God’s presence in human form and history provides succor for the deepest needs and challenges of human beings. For, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” It is this demonstration of love that is the greatest present for Christmas and even all the time. “Out of his fullness, we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”

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