Monday, December 16, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
John 1:1–5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (NRSV)

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Reflection

I’ve always found the beginning of this Gospel perplexing: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It delivers almost a koan, a paradoxical story about the Word and God. They are the same, but different. In the beginning there is the Word, but there is also God. Is this the chicken and the egg situation? In that, the beauty and the horror lie.

Our words are how we connect to God, indeed like in this very devotion. Our words bring us closer to God. In fact, our words can create God for us. How we think about God can also be in words. Words that bring light and life to us all in this winter darkness.

Remember that without the night sky, we cannot see the stars. Out of silence is a sound. Out of darkness is a light. Our words, as hymns, as beacons, as lights, shine in the darkness together. And the darkness has not overcome it.

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Prayer
Holy loving God, remind us that our words are our vehicle to you. Remind us that our words bring light. Bring your message, bring your word. In this season of darkness, let us remember that with just one word, one light the darkness cannot overcome it. We are forever in awe of your glory. Amen.

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Written by Jessica Wang, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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