Saturday 29 December 2007
- Bible Book:
- John
"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." (v.1-5)
Background
This passage, among the most dramatic in the New Testament,marks the beginning of John's Gospel. This Gospel was the last ofthe four pictures of Jesus' life in the New Testament to be writtenin terms of chronology.
This text can be seen as a Jesus-centred mirror of
This passage essentially maps out the future direction of Jesus'ministry with the activity of God in seeking to save all people.Jesus comes to give life and light to all people - "and the lifewas the light of all people" (v.4).
For many people who have suffered from oppression, injustice andmarginalisation, verse 5 has particular importance. The experienceof personal and collective struggle against injustice has oftenbeen likened to living within the all-enveloping midst of darkness.And yet, in an echo of the triumphant resurrection, the authorasserts that "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness didnot overcome it".
As we approach the end of another year - one of struggle for many -the news that the light of Jesus Christ is never overcome by thedarkness of evil continues to offer light and life to countlessmillions across the globe. May the light of Christ continue toshine in the heart of all who are oppressed!
To Ponder
In what ways have you, your family or friendsbeen in 'darkness' over this past year?
Looking back, what were the glimmers of light foryou?
It is often said 'it is better to light onecandle than to curse the dark'. What are the situations, events orpeople for whom you wish to light a candle now?