December 6th, 2025

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

The passage speaks on the light coming into the world, but, with intention, His people not recognizing Him. Rather, He gave them the choice to recognize, believe, and follow. He gave the gift of life and rebirth the world, as long as they chose him. In this Advent season, it is with this present from God that begins the season where we continually must choose to strive and reach for the light that illuminates the darkness.

The love and faithfulness given to us by God through Jesus is the best present we could ever hope for every Christmas season. In an attempt to emulate, to a very minor capacity, this gift, we give gifts to one another and light the Advent wreath to remind us. These reminders are beacons in the darkness to show us of God's light and love. These remembrances are important for my family as we progress through the season. It gives us hope and reminds us that light overcomes darkness and replaces doubt with feelings of hope and peace.