Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God, and he was the same as God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

God sent his messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. This was the real light - the light that comes into the world and shines on all mankind.

The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. They did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father.

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son.

John 1:1-14

Years ago a pioneer journeyed across the west until he came to the edge of the Grand Canyon. What he saw was a vast chasm eighteen miles across and a mile deep. He is said to have said, "Something must have happened here." So it is with Christmas. Something happened here some 2000 years ago. God visited our planet. His Son Jesus Christ came to reveal God and to die for our sins. It is the best news ever. The LORD came and lived among us so that we might live forever with Him.

To make the most of Christmas, focus on Christ.

Our Daily Bread - December 22, 2002