Gospel: John 1:1-18
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 to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkens has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He cane to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his swelling among us, and w say his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “this was he of who I said, “The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came from Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
Reflection
John was sent by God as testimony to His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was sent by God to be our life, our light, our way, our truth. Jesus was born today to be the light in our lives to show us the way to his father so we may know him. Today’s birth of our Lord and King changes us forever. Because of His birth, we cannot be the same person we were yesterday. Through this miracle birth we are transformed forever. Today, we remind ourselves that we were sent by God. We were sent by God to continue the work His Son started both within us individually and for the benefit of one another. Each time we experience Jesus at the altar, we are given the grace and truth that can only come from this baby-king. Each time we see the face of Christ in one another, we experience this re-birth and renewal. Emmanuel, God-with-us, is here!
Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We praise you Father for the coming of your Son into our lives. We thank you counting us worthy to receive this precious gift and ask for the strength and fortitude to carry Him in our hearts. Help us to deliver his message of peace to our neighbor and to all corners of the world. We ask this in your Son’s name. Amen.
Most Rev. George R. Lucey, FCM
Presiding Bishop – American National Catholic Church
Advent Retreat 