John 1:1-18. The Good Word for the New Year 3/1/2010
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. {2} He was with God in the beginning. {3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. {4} In him was life, and that life was the light of men. {5} The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. {6} There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. {7} He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. {8} He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. {9} The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. {10} He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. {11} He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. {14} The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. {15} John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" {16} From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. {17} For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. {18} No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Well, here we are into another new year – the parties are almost over and now we have to get on with the realities of life once again. We have had our diversions, and let our hair down: we have had our break, and now again we have to think about our regular day to day life once again. We probably also have thoughts of, what has this New Year in store for us: what kind of things do we need to keep in mind in order to survive and for life to go well for us? So here today, what are the things we need to keep in mind and that should be important to us as we go forward into this New Year. In other words, what is the Good Word for us in order for this New Year to go well for us?
It is here that our reading has something to say to us; because here is that Good Word for us; and that which is vital for us and for our future. Go wrong here and you can be sure the future will bring disaster. Nothing is surer. However, with this Word, we are assured that life and blessing will go with us; and God himself will be with us and go with us.
So what is this Good Word for us? Here we are reminded, that this Word is much more than just a few nice thoughts; a few good intentions and ideas that we or someone else thought up: it is more than a good philosophy of life; it is even more than a book itself; the Bible. Here we have the very heart of God - here we have God himself; always there - always active - always giving life.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Now if we want something in life that is constant, timeless, powerful, life-giving, and which will light up life for us, well here it is. This Good Word was there at the beginning and throughout life, bringing it all. And this Word we are told was not only with God - but was God. The Word, God, and the person of Jesus are all inseparable. Just think about that for a minute: where the Word is, there is the Lord Jesus, and there is the Almighty God himself. In other words, all of you have God with you at home - on your shelf as you go into this New Year.
[I wonder, is that where he stays – on the shelf, ignored.]
When we look for answers as to why something has gone wrong; perhaps the weather or whatever, and we are wondering why: wondering what God is trying to say - do we look to that Word? When we are looking for an encouraging or a helpful word from a friend – a word of forgiveness, do we know that Jesus does just that, in and through his Word, the Bible? He is there - he is the Word - he comes to you personally. And there we have a very impressive aspect to this Good Word as we go forward into the future: God always there for you and me. We now know that where the Word is - there God is - with us - with a message for our lives.
The second great point arises out of this first one. Where God is, there is life: where Jesus is; there is life: where the Word is, there is life. The same Word that was there at the beginning of time to create life from nothing is the same Word that comes to us today, with the same power. When we are told that our sins are forgiven for Jesus sake; it is so. When we are told, that God loves us; it is so. When we are told, that God works all things for our good; it is so. When we hear, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, even as a baby; it is so. When we hear this is my body, this is my blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; it is so. And I could go on.
Now that surely is encouraging for us as we go forward in life. To know that when that Word comes to us, it does something that is more than merely words: that it does give life to existence: it is powerful. And it certainly gives light for our lives: it illuminates a whole new perspective to life. So instead of groping around in and through life, not sure what is going on and why: what the future holds for us; now we are able to see and have an understanding of what is happening. Sure we won't always know at the time quite why and how, or what the reason and purpose is for certain things; but we know that where the Word of the Lord is, it is there to give life and to bring good out of the situation; and that he can, and has the power to do so, and promises to do just that.
So we have something and someone to turn to and to help us all along; and in fact know that this Word is already there and active, even before we turn to it, this surely brightens our days and gives us confidence as we go forward in life. At last, we can see what is important in life - who is really important – and what needs to be focussed on if we are to find our way through life with all its dangers and pressures. Now there is a pathway through life lit up for us to find our way safely to heaven; and the same Word and God goes with us every step of the way; directing, forgiving, helping and even carry us along; and so we can go forward far less fearful of stumbling and falling: knowing all the while that this timeless, life-giving Good Word is there to give light and salvation to all who remain connected to that Word – the Bible; the Lord Jesus; God himself.
Now there are many in our community who don't know or understand this, even though they have a desire to. For them God and his Word, is like a UFO – a bright light in a dark night: they know it is there: they catch glimpses of its light; and yet they just don't understand it or want to make sense of it. For them it is something mysterious that doesn't make much sense at all: it is something to be left alone or taken not too seriously; for fear of being hurt or being caught up in something that they can't handle: afraid of the commitment to follow something which might draw criticism and which calls for a change of lifestyle. And isn't that just the way it is for so many? But once again, this Good Word clearly portrays that is what is happening in life: this is the way it is for many people who choose to ignore this Word. And that too should help us when we start to think that maybe these other people are on the right track. Here the Word tells us that there are many who do not and will not understand the light. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. So again, the Word gives light and life to existence for us; and what is happening around us.
Already in just these few thoughts, we can see something of the tremendous value and importance of this Good Word for our lives in this coming year. And we haven't even looked at the whole concept of this Word becoming flesh and living amongst us: the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection: and the fullness of his grace and undeserving love that he has extended to us through that, and the blessing that this brings to us – it is all truly magnificent - it really is something that is way beyond what we would normally associate with a word. This Good Word can and does open up a whole new dimension and understanding to life.
Here I can do no more than encourage you to remember that this Word is with us, and for you to heed this Word – to heed Jesus. He is there to give us life. He is there as a light for our lives - to give meaning, purpose and hope to each one of us. This Word, Jesus, is basic to our existence. Yes we can ignore it - leave it on the shelf – fail to take notice of it; but we do so to our own detriment: to our own pain and hurt: and perhaps even eternally. But this does not alter the fact that this Good Word is there in life for us, in its many facets: it is life and light for us - if we allow it.
Here God personally says to us, that this is what life is all about. Sure, it doesn't take all the hassles and problems out of life. He never promised that. In fact, he does the opposite. But it does illuminate those areas for us so that we are able to see that they are very much our own humanities faults and failings, and so turns us back to that Word - back to the Lord Jesus Christ. So again, we are brought face to face with the timeless, all-powerful, life-giving and life-renewing Word. As we cling to that Good Word and allow it to light up the path ahead, we can go forward knowing that because of that Word there - there is also life for us and for the people that we are sent to.
Yes this same Word: this same Lord Jesus; that was there in the beginning creating life out nothing; and again recreating it through his life, death and resurrection; and again gave you life in the waters of baptism; is the same Word – the same Jesus that is there with you and for you as you now go forward into this new year. This same God is there for you, full of grace and truth, so believe - live in light of it – and may this Good Word bless each and every day of this New Year for you. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. {2} He was with God in the beginning. {3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. {4} In him was life, and that life was the light of men. {5} The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. {6} There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. {7} He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. {8} He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. {9} The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. {10} He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. {11} He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. {14} The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. {15} John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" {16} From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. {17} For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. {18} No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Well, here we are into another new year – the parties are almost over and now we have to get on with the realities of life once again. We have had our diversions, and let our hair down: we have had our break, and now again we have to think about our regular day to day life once again. We probably also have thoughts of, what has this New Year in store for us: what kind of things do we need to keep in mind in order to survive and for life to go well for us? So here today, what are the things we need to keep in mind and that should be important to us as we go forward into this New Year. In other words, what is the Good Word for us in order for this New Year to go well for us?
It is here that our reading has something to say to us; because here is that Good Word for us; and that which is vital for us and for our future. Go wrong here and you can be sure the future will bring disaster. Nothing is surer. However, with this Word, we are assured that life and blessing will go with us; and God himself will be with us and go with us.
So what is this Good Word for us? Here we are reminded, that this Word is much more than just a few nice thoughts; a few good intentions and ideas that we or someone else thought up: it is more than a good philosophy of life; it is even more than a book itself; the Bible. Here we have the very heart of God - here we have God himself; always there - always active - always giving life.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Now if we want something in life that is constant, timeless, powerful, life-giving, and which will light up life for us, well here it is. This Good Word was there at the beginning and throughout life, bringing it all. And this Word we are told was not only with God - but was God. The Word, God, and the person of Jesus are all inseparable. Just think about that for a minute: where the Word is, there is the Lord Jesus, and there is the Almighty God himself. In other words, all of you have God with you at home - on your shelf as you go into this New Year.
[I wonder, is that where he stays – on the shelf, ignored.]
When we look for answers as to why something has gone wrong; perhaps the weather or whatever, and we are wondering why: wondering what God is trying to say - do we look to that Word? When we are looking for an encouraging or a helpful word from a friend – a word of forgiveness, do we know that Jesus does just that, in and through his Word, the Bible? He is there - he is the Word - he comes to you personally. And there we have a very impressive aspect to this Good Word as we go forward into the future: God always there for you and me. We now know that where the Word is - there God is - with us - with a message for our lives.
The second great point arises out of this first one. Where God is, there is life: where Jesus is; there is life: where the Word is, there is life. The same Word that was there at the beginning of time to create life from nothing is the same Word that comes to us today, with the same power. When we are told that our sins are forgiven for Jesus sake; it is so. When we are told, that God loves us; it is so. When we are told, that God works all things for our good; it is so. When we hear, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, even as a baby; it is so. When we hear this is my body, this is my blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; it is so. And I could go on.
Now that surely is encouraging for us as we go forward in life. To know that when that Word comes to us, it does something that is more than merely words: that it does give life to existence: it is powerful. And it certainly gives light for our lives: it illuminates a whole new perspective to life. So instead of groping around in and through life, not sure what is going on and why: what the future holds for us; now we are able to see and have an understanding of what is happening. Sure we won't always know at the time quite why and how, or what the reason and purpose is for certain things; but we know that where the Word of the Lord is, it is there to give life and to bring good out of the situation; and that he can, and has the power to do so, and promises to do just that.
So we have something and someone to turn to and to help us all along; and in fact know that this Word is already there and active, even before we turn to it, this surely brightens our days and gives us confidence as we go forward in life. At last, we can see what is important in life - who is really important – and what needs to be focussed on if we are to find our way through life with all its dangers and pressures. Now there is a pathway through life lit up for us to find our way safely to heaven; and the same Word and God goes with us every step of the way; directing, forgiving, helping and even carry us along; and so we can go forward far less fearful of stumbling and falling: knowing all the while that this timeless, life-giving Good Word is there to give light and salvation to all who remain connected to that Word – the Bible; the Lord Jesus; God himself.
Now there are many in our community who don't know or understand this, even though they have a desire to. For them God and his Word, is like a UFO – a bright light in a dark night: they know it is there: they catch glimpses of its light; and yet they just don't understand it or want to make sense of it. For them it is something mysterious that doesn't make much sense at all: it is something to be left alone or taken not too seriously; for fear of being hurt or being caught up in something that they can't handle: afraid of the commitment to follow something which might draw criticism and which calls for a change of lifestyle. And isn't that just the way it is for so many? But once again, this Good Word clearly portrays that is what is happening in life: this is the way it is for many people who choose to ignore this Word. And that too should help us when we start to think that maybe these other people are on the right track. Here the Word tells us that there are many who do not and will not understand the light. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. So again, the Word gives light and life to existence for us; and what is happening around us.
Already in just these few thoughts, we can see something of the tremendous value and importance of this Good Word for our lives in this coming year. And we haven't even looked at the whole concept of this Word becoming flesh and living amongst us: the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection: and the fullness of his grace and undeserving love that he has extended to us through that, and the blessing that this brings to us – it is all truly magnificent - it really is something that is way beyond what we would normally associate with a word. This Good Word can and does open up a whole new dimension and understanding to life.
Here I can do no more than encourage you to remember that this Word is with us, and for you to heed this Word – to heed Jesus. He is there to give us life. He is there as a light for our lives - to give meaning, purpose and hope to each one of us. This Word, Jesus, is basic to our existence. Yes we can ignore it - leave it on the shelf – fail to take notice of it; but we do so to our own detriment: to our own pain and hurt: and perhaps even eternally. But this does not alter the fact that this Good Word is there in life for us, in its many facets: it is life and light for us - if we allow it.
Here God personally says to us, that this is what life is all about. Sure, it doesn't take all the hassles and problems out of life. He never promised that. In fact, he does the opposite. But it does illuminate those areas for us so that we are able to see that they are very much our own humanities faults and failings, and so turns us back to that Word - back to the Lord Jesus Christ. So again, we are brought face to face with the timeless, all-powerful, life-giving and life-renewing Word. As we cling to that Good Word and allow it to light up the path ahead, we can go forward knowing that because of that Word there - there is also life for us and for the people that we are sent to.
Yes this same Word: this same Lord Jesus; that was there in the beginning creating life out nothing; and again recreating it through his life, death and resurrection; and again gave you life in the waters of baptism; is the same Word – the same Jesus that is there with you and for you as you now go forward into this new year. This same God is there for you, full of grace and truth, so believe - live in light of it – and may this Good Word bless each and every day of this New Year for you. AMEN.
Pastor Roger Atze
Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish
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