The Nativity of the Lord
John 1: 1-18
The Word Made Flesh – the Light that guides us

The Prologue of John’s Gospel unveils the profound mystery of the Word becoming flesh, the light of God entering the world. From the creation narrative to the Incarnation, light symbolises God’s revelation, grace, and love. The Old Testament witnesses this divine illumination through figures like Abraham and Moses, preparing humanity for its fulfilment in Jesus Christ. John the Baptist stands as the final herald of this light, pointing toward the one who embodies grace and truth.

The Word, existing with the Father from the beginning, reveals God’s love in its fullness through the person of Jesus. As the Torah was for Israel a beacon of divine wisdom and life, so the Word becomes flesh, dwelling among us, making God’s glory visible and tangible. This is the ultimate epiphany: God’s glory is no longer confined to the Temple or the Tabernacle but revealed in the human frailty of Christ.

The mission of the Church today is to witness this light in the world, especially amidst darkness. Pope Francis’ emphasis on accompaniment, mercy, and the joy of the Gospel reflects the light of Christ’s presence that seeks out the lost and marginalised. The Eucharist, and the Word of become the visible sign of this light—a source of grace, communion, and transformation.

As we contemplate the Word-made flesh, we are invited to walk in the light, embracing our call to serve as witnesses. In Christ’s self-emptying love on the cross, we see the glory of God—a love without limits that transforms even death into life. May we reflect this light in our own lives, becoming beacons of hope, grace, and peace to a world yearning for God’s presence.

 © Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024