A deeper look at the Christmas story

from John 1:11-12

While the Christmas story is often told from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Gospel of John offers a unique perspective with an emphasis on the divinity of Christ. It was written later than the other Gospels and highlights profound theological truths about Jesus as the Word of God.

The Word (John 1:1-5)

John begins his gospel with the words “In the beginning”, which recalls the creation account in Genesis and emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ. The word (Greek: logos) represents the mind, action and self-revelation of God – God expressing Himself. The word was not only with God, but it was God Himself. Through the Word, God created the universe (John 1:3), and the creation reflects His personality and power.

The Word is life (John 1:4), the essence of all being, as described in Genesis: “Let the waters bring forth... living creatures” (Genesis 1:20). Furthermore, the Word is light (John 1:5-9). Just as God created physical light – “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) – He also brings spiritual light into a dark world.

The rejection of the Word (John 1:11-12)

Despite His divine identity and authority, the world did not recognize Him. Most rejected Him, even His own people. The Greek text in verse 11 reveals an ironic distinction: the first “his own” (neuter) refers to creation, which obeyed Him, while the second “his own” (masculine) refers to His people, who opposed Him.

Creation itself was in harmony with Jesus. The inanimate world obeyed His commands: He walked on water, calmed storms, and even at His death the earth shook and darkness spread. The plant and animal kingdoms also obeyed Him, whether in the miraculous catch of fish, the feeding of the five thousand, or the donkey that carried Him into Jerusalem. Yet mankind, His supreme creation—the one with whom He identified in the Incarnation—rejected Him. Tragically, those He came to redeem rejected His gift of salvation.

The Reception of the Word (John 1:12-14)

Yet not all rejected Him. To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God! This transformation does not come by human effort or ability, but by God's grace alone, through the name of Jesus. Through the new birth—born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5)—believers experience a profound change and gain the ability to understand and accept divine truth.

The Revelation of the Word

The Word became flesh and revealed the glory of God to humanity. In Jesus, the fullness of grace and truth is made visible. Incarnation makes it possible for us to recognize the Father's majesty and receive His abundant grace.

This is the essence of Christmas: God comes to us and offers Himself to us so that we can receive Him. The choice is ours today. Will we reject Him like so many do, or will we receive Him and become children of God?

Let us make the right choice and accept the gift of His grace this Christmas.