In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

— John 1:1

In John 1 the Greek term for “Word” is logos. John chose this word carefully. In Greek philosophy the word logos referred to divine reason, or the power that made order out of chaos. This idea fits well with the scriptural teaching that God—whose word is always faithful and true, and who created all things—has revealed himself in a new way through his Son, the Word of God, who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” God has long been communicating with us—through creation, the prophets, and the Scriptures. But with the coming of “the Word”—that is, Jesus—God revealed himself even more. Earlier forms of communication were less clear. Since the logos became flesh, however, we can see, hear, and know that we have met God. Jesus is the best and the only perfect representation of God. This contradicts the teachings of other religions that claim they have a better or additional revelation of God. Why would you want or need to hear more about God once you have heard from the Word himself? Jesus showed that God is love and “the light [that] shines in the darkness.”

We need to recognize that the true and complete Word of God has come into the world. That Word is Jesus Christ, “the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Word of life, help us to trust in you for salvation and new life. Thank you for coming so that we can know the truth that sets us free from sin and death forever. Amen.