The Nativity of the Lord

12/25/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 1:1-18

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 were made through Him, and nothing that was made was made without Him.
4 Life was in Him, and Life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 There was a man sent by God, whose name was John.
7 He arrived as a witness to offer testimony about the Light, so that all would believe through him.
8 He was not the Light, but he was to offer testimony about the Light.
9 The true Light, which illuminates every man, was coming into this world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not recognize him.
11 He went to his own, and his own did not accept him.
12 Yet whoever did accept him, those who believed in his name, he gave them the power to become the sons of God.
13 These are born, not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh, and he lived among us, and we saw his glory, glory like that of an only-
15 John offers testimony about him, and he cries out, saying: “This is the one about whom I said: ‘He who is to come after me, has been placed ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”
16 And from his fullness, we all have received, even grace for grace.
17 For the law was given though Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one ever saw God; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he himself has described him.

12/25/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reflection / sermon / homily: John 1:1-18

The Gospel reading above invites us to reflect on a truth that is both ancient and deeply relevant today: God chose to enter the human story, not from a distance, but from within our everyday reality. This passage reminds us that faith is not an abstract idea or a set of theories; it is about a living presence that brings meaning, direction, and hope into the world.

At the heart of this message is the idea that life has purpose beyond survival and success. In the modern era, many people define life by productivity, achievements, or social status. We measure our worth by grades, followers, income, or titles. Yet this passage challenges us to see life as something richer, life that is meant to be shared, nurtured, and lived in relationship with God and others. When we begin to see life this way, our daily routines take on new significance. Work becomes service, study becomes preparation, and rest becomes trust rather than guilt.

Another powerful theme is light entering darkness. Today’s darkness often takes the form of anxiety, misinformation, loneliness, and fear about the future. Despite constant connection through technology, many feel unseen and unheard. This message reminds us that light does not overwhelm by force; it quietly reveals truth and offers guidance. In practical terms, this light shines when someone chooses honesty over shortcuts, kindness over cruelty, or patience over instant reactions. A student who refuses to cheat, a professional who acts with integrity, or a young person who stands up for someone being bullied becomes a bearer of that light in a very real way.

The Gospel passage also speaks about being known and welcomed. In a world obsessed with image and performance, many feel they must earn acceptance. Social media often pressures people to present a perfect version of themselves. Yet this message tells us that dignity is not earned; it is given. When we live from this truth, we stop chasing validation and start living with freedom. We can admit mistakes, ask for help, and grow without fear of rejection. This mindset transforms how we treat others as well, seeing people not as competitors or labels, but as persons worthy of respect.

A striking idea in this passage is that God chose to become close, entering ordinary human life. This challenges the notion that faith belongs only in religious spaces. In the modern era, this means God is present in classrooms, offices, hospitals, public transport, and homes. Faith is lived when parents listen patiently to their children, when workers show compassion to difficult colleagues, and when communities care for the vulnerable. Spiritual life is not separate from daily life; it is expressed through everyday choices.

The message also highlights growth through grace rather than pressure. Many today live under constant pressure to improve, compete, and prove themselves. While growth is important, this passage reminds us that transformation begins with grace. Practically, this means allowing ourselves and others the space to grow without harsh judgment. Teachers who encourage rather than shame, leaders who mentor rather than dominate, and friends who forgive rather than cancel reflect this grace in action.

Finally, the passage calls us to witness, to make visible through our lives what we believe. In a skeptical world, people are often convinced not by arguments, but by authenticity. When our actions align with compassion, justice, and humility, faith becomes credible. Our lives become living messages of hope.

This passage invites us to live with awareness: aware that our lives have meaning, that light still shines, and that grace is available daily. When we live this way, faith becomes not just something we believe, but something the world can see and experience through us.

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