“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

This is the opening of the gospel of John. What an odd way to tell us about Jesus.

The reading from John 1:1-14 is included in most Lectionary texts for Christmas. What’s strange about this is that there are shepherds, no angels, no manger, no Joseph, no Mary…heck! there’s not even the baby Jesus!

So why is this a part of the reading for Christmas?

You see, the birth we are celebrating is not the birth of a great king, a great teacher, a great religious leader, a great rabbi, a great prophet. The reason why Christmas is Christmas and not like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day is because the Creator of the universe became a creature on Christmas day.

Every living thing that has been born has an innate drive to live, to survive.

Jesus was born in order that he might die.

Jesus was born in order that he might die, so that we who receive him as Lord and Savior would share in our death in order that we might share in his resurrection.

That’s not just a baby. That’s the Creator of the Universe. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is Jesus.

Merry Christmas!