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 darkness 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 came 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 dwelling among us, and we saw
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 whom 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 through Jesus Christ. No one
has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed
him.
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Reflection:
What kind of mindset do you have this
Christmas?
During Christmas there are two primary
mindsets that envelopes our mind: The mindset of receiving and the mindset of
giving or making a positive difference in the lives of others. The mindset of
receiving creates a feeling of expectation and excitement.
However, the mindset of giving creates
a burning desire within us which is fueled by Jesus Himself. We give something
that comes from our heart we give something that would be very useful and
meaningful to the receiver. We don’t only give for the sake of giving.
Today God gave us His Son Jesus the
word that became flesh that dwelt amongst us. The light that shines in the
darkness, the light that gives life, enlightenment and direction.
The true essence of Christmas is the
mindset of giving; it doesn’t matter if we don’t receive anything for so long
as we give. This is what God wants us to do; to learn how to give as He had
given us His only begotten son so we must give.
What a big difference would it make to
a poor family this Christmas if we will give them something to eat (not from
our excess). What a huge difference will it make if we will give them something
to wear (not from our surplus).
In the process of our giving we
silently bring to them as well the greatest gift that they will receive and
that is Jesus. What kind of mindset do you have this Christmas? – Marino J. Dasmarinas