John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”
These words from the Gospel of John say it all and, in so doing, invite us to unpack their meaning and significance in a way that is revelatory and transformative. This rather simple sentence speaks volumes about an experience that inspired individuals to embrace a new movement and change the course of human history.
As a matter of fact, it is because of such expressed convictions that we are here today celebrating Christmas; attempting to mark a moment in time in honour of when this event, ‘the Word becoming flesh’, took place. Indeed, words still escape us in our efforts to articulate and give expression to what we believe to be a truly remarkable event.
Two thousand plus years have now come and gone, and we are challenged to keep alive this flame of passion, excitement, reverence, and awe amid a barrage of ideologies, trends and habits that appear to pose a threat to this divine mission. How must we hold on to our convictions and faith today? How might we recapture, if that is the appropriate term, what was John’s intention when he first penned these words?
The answer may very lie in what we can reasonably conclude would have been the sentiments and encouragement that accompanied such words in the hearts and minds of those who first heard or read this text of scripture. Imagine, if you will, the tremendous hope and determination many would have gained in receiving such a proclamation. Like us, they too had many threats to face, many challenges to overcome. Yet, they persevered knowing that the God they served, the Creator of the Universe, walked a path on earth not unlike theirs and, in so doing, created a trail for them (and us) to follow.
May we, this Christmas, give fresh thought and attention to John’s message – John’s encapsulation of the Good News in this one beautiful sentence. As we do so, may we also recognize how relevant these words remain, the very source of the hope, peace, joy and love we very much long for in this present world.
On behalf of clergy and people of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, and my wife Carla and family, I wish every one of you a most Blessed Christmas Season and a productive and safe 2023. Amen.
Bishop Philip Wright