The Music of Christmas, Day 1

Ancient Refrain

 

Read John 1:1-14

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

 

Of the four Gospels, only two tell the familiar stories celebrated at Christmastime. The story of the shepherds and angels, Mary and Joseph, wise men and evil kings … all are recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Mark says nothing about the birth of Jesus. John, on the other hand, skips the crowded inn and smelly manger. His version of Jesus’ life and ministry came long after the accounts by Matthew and Luke were well known. So rather than repeating details associated with the blessed birth, John takes his reader back even farther — a prequel. Movie goers line up to see a-story-before-the-story on the big screen and I have a similar feeling of anticipation whenever I read the beginning of John’s Gospel. 

 

His account begins with time itself. The opening lines may only be a subtle reference to the Creation but are clear about who Jesus is — the catalyst for God’s redemption of all creation. 

 

The creation account in Genesis was written in the form of a poem. It was likely set to music to help people remember and repeat its words. This ancient song of origin, known so well by John’s audience was suddenly made new. The big reveal is that God, Creator of everything and everyone, stepped into His creation in order to save it. The Word who spoke all things into being had been made flesh. God waded into the darkness as the Light of the World.

 

I remember hearing my great-grandfather talk about life before electricity. Kerosene lanterns and candles were essential. People woke long before dawn to make use of every bit of daylight, and everything ended before sunset so people could get safely home.

We live in a different world today. We take for granted the availability of electricity and the light it produces. We no longer fear the dark because we seldom face it. Flip a switch and darkness flees. Flood the streets with lights and stay out late. Why value the light of day when we simply make our own? That is until a storm comes and the power goes out. Then we are confronted with the reality of darkness and our powerlessness against it. Suddenly, we remember that we are afraid of the dark and those who lurk in it.

After creating the heavens and the earth, God’s first order of business was turning on the lights.  He dispelled darkness by creating light even before shaping the sun. Consider God’s first recorded words: “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). John picks up the theme and runs with it. After referring to Jesus as the “Word” of God, he explains that within this Word was the “Light” of all humankind. The Word and the Light are one in the personage of Jesus Christ.

 
The world without Jesus is a dark place. He came into the darkness of our world, yes, but more importantly, into the darkness of our hearts. No electric light can illuminate the dark heart of humanity, and so we follow the example of Adam. We try to hide from God to avoid exposure to His Light. We don’t want our darkness revealed to others or ourselves, and especially not to God. But Jesus came to meet us in our darkness and offer His light.

After the fall of man, creation once again plunged into darkness. This condition, while spiritual in nature, appeared to overcome God’s light. John offered a new glimpse into the Creation account. God has once again sent light into the world. This Light cannot be overcome by the darkness of sin. This Light is life for everyone lost in darkness. 

 

The song isn’t new, yet time and time again this ancient refrain promises a new beginning. Jesus has come to make all things new (Revelation 21:5). Perhaps you would like to start over. The same Word that spoke our world into existence stands ready to do a new work in you.

 

 

Light of the World,

 

God who spoke all things into being, speak new life into me.

Penetrate the darkness of my heart with the Light of Your love.

As believers turn their attention to the celebration of Your birth, 

be born again in me, in my family, in Your church, and in Your creation.

Amen.

The Music of Christmas is available in print or digital formats.