dec31reflection

*The Word Made Flesh*

Meditation on the readings for December 31
1 John 2:18-21: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13; John 1:1-18

Christmas reminds us that for a brief period of time God did dwell among us in the flesh. That moment in time, as T. S. Eliot wrote, has bisected time and given meaning to time. How do we comprehend this meaning? Through the Word. Yes, through the words of Scripture, but these words are only language, a means of communication. We must allow the Word to dwell within us, so that the meaning becomes the foundation or framework of our existence. Then we can say that we are God's children.

There are so many words in the gospel of John that help us understand the Word made flesh: the living water, the bread of life, the light of the world, the great I AM, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the true vine, the way, the truth, and the life. Reflection on these words, and on all of the gospels, will allow the Word to dwell within us. In the reading today, two words stand out: light and love. In Isaiah 60, which is next Sunday's reading, the prophet tells of the time when the glory of the Lord's light will shine upon His people. We believe that the star of Bethlehem was a sign that indeed that light had come into the world as the Word made flesh.

John's gospel tells us that the Word made flesh was filled with the enduring love of the Father. It further says the we can share this fullness of love, love following upon love/. The letters of John focus on the love of God made known to us through Christ. Because of this love, we are called children of God. Because of this love we are empowered to love each other. In fact, if we do not exhibit this love in our lives, we are not children of God. Today's reading assures us that we know the truth because we have been anointed with the Spirit of God. I think this is another way of saying that the Word dwells within us.

One of my favorite songs, which we sing in our Hosanna prayer meetings, begins with these lines:

I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
In Him there is no darkness at all,
The night and the day are both alike.

Although these words, and the rest of John's gospel, are reassuring to me, I know they are not universally accepted. I often wonder why there are so many religions and philosophies that are exclusive of our Christian faith. Why have so many antichrists arisen, even from our own ranks? These will be my first questions for St. Peter at the end of time. Until then, I must be content to follow the light with the confidence that darkness will not overcome it. Any philosophy of life or doctrine must pass two tests: is it centered on the Word made flesh and does it fill us with the enduring love of the Father?