Message from Pastor Jim 12/29/2025

Dear Friends,

John starts his Gospel the way a movie trailer starts: big music, sweeping language, and the sense that something important is happening. Before the shepherds, before the manger, before the angels break into song—John takes us all the way back to the beginning and says, “Let me tell you about the Light.”

This Light isn’t a flickering candle or a decorative string of Christmas bulbs (though we do enjoy those). This is the Light that shines in the darkness—and the darkness doesn’t stand a chance. John says this Light is life itself, the kind that warms cold hearts, clears foggy minds, and helps us find our way when we’re not quite sure where we’re going.

And here’s the surprising part: the world didn’t recognize Him at first.
The Light showed up, and people squinted, shrugged, and said, “Hmm… doesn’t look like what we expected.” We can relate, can’t we? We’re pretty good at missing God when God shows up in ordinary places, wearing everyday clothes, speaking with grace instead of a megaphone.

But John doesn’t leave us there.

“The Word became flesh and lived among us.”
Other translations say He “moved into the neighborhood.” God didn’t send an instruction manual. God didn’t post a how-to video. God came in person—full of grace and truth. That means grace when we fall short, and truth when we need direction (even when we’d prefer not to hear it).

And then comes one of the most hope-filled lines in all of Scripture:
“To all who received Him… He gave power to become children of God.”

Not super-Christians.
Not spiritual experts.
Children.

Which means we belong. We’re known. We’re loved. We’re welcomed into God’s family—no résumé required.

So as we move through these winter days—when the nights are long and the headlines are heavy—John reminds us that the Light is still shining. It shines in kindness shared, in forgiveness offered, in hope stubbornly held onto. It shines when we choose love over fear and grace over grumbling (yes, even in church meetings).

May we keep our eyes open this season. The Light is nearer than we think—and it already knows your name.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jim