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1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 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. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' ") 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. (John 1:1-18 NRSV)
Dear Friend, a blessed Monday before Christmas. I know this is a busy time of year and the traffic around us gives that away! Saturday was a "joy" driving into San Marcos' retail outlets and the traffic for Christmas gifts and traffic headed to the UT game in Austin made it a most difficult time. But let us keep our eyes on the prize: Jesus' birth for us; which was the beginning of all the awesome things to come. You're a better person, or can be, if you rely on God and trust God to make you become the blessing God needs to reach the world. Please pace yourself, pressure no one and let no one pressure you. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, praise the Lord!
Prayerfully consider supporting this ministry with your prayers, fowards to family and friends, and an end-of-year financial gift. Thank you! paypal.me/eradiovalverde
If you do not like the Bible you own now, you're free to go and buy a new one. No one will question you or stop you. But there are some organizations that should you open the door when they knock on your door, will invite you to explore a new teaching and they will give you a new Bible or book, and ask you to turn in your current Bible(s) and attend some teachings about the "new" Bible. They may even ask you to avoid contact with your family until the classes are over. One such group will give you a bible that has an important change in it: Theirs reads "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was a god." Boom! The entire power and revelation we find in this first verse changed; the "Word" whom we know to be Jesus, is not Jesus to this organization and is not considered God, but "a god." This really goes against what we hold to be truth.
The Apostle John begins his account not with a birth narrative or a genealogy, but with the declaration of the eternal and divine nature of the Word—Logos—which existed with God from the very beginning. This Word is not a mere abstract concept but is intimately tied to creation, to life itself, and to light that overcomes the darkness.
In this passage, we encounter the reality that Jesus is not only God's messenger but the very expression of God’s will, power, and presence. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14). The incarnation—God becoming human—is the profound mystery and miracle at the heart of the Christian faith. The infinite Creator, through Christ, enters into time and space, becoming one with us to reveal the fullness of God's love and to offer us a way to be reconciled with God.
The passage highlights several key themes: Jesus is the source of both life and light. His presence brings clarity, purpose, and the ability to overcome the darkness in our lives. Though Jesus came to His own people, they did not recognize Him, yet to all who did receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God. The Word, made flesh in Jesus, reveals God's grace and truth. Unlike the law given through Moses, which highlighted our inability to perfectly fulfill God's will, Jesus brings grace—unearned favor—and truth that leads to transformation.
Jesus, the Word of God, is not merely an idea to ponder but a living, breathing reality to be received and believed in. The message of John’s prologue is clear: Jesus is God made visible. In Him, we find both the revelation of who God is and the means to truly live.
PRAYER: Loving God, we stand in awe of the mystery of the Word becoming flesh, the Creator entering into our world to bring us life and light. We thank You that in You we find grace and truth that transforms us. Help us to receive Your light into every corner of our lives, and may that light shine brightly in our thoughts, words, and actions. Teach us to live as Your children, reflecting Your love to those around us. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may boldly share the message of hope with a world that desperately needs it. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Like John’s first audience, we often encounter Jesus amidst a world of spiritual darkness. Yet, we are called to be receivers of His light. Take time today to reflect on areas in your life where you need God’s light to shine—whether it’s confusion, sin, despair, or fear. Ask God to illuminate those places in your heart with the truth of His presence. Those who accept Christ are given the right to become children of God. This new identity brings both freedom and responsibility. In what ways can you reflect your identity as a beloved child of God in your daily life? Consider how you can demonstrate His grace and truth in your relationships, your work, and your actions.
I love you and I thank God for you,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
