Worldwide Christmas January 1, 2026 Devotional

JOHN 1:1-5 | 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 came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being ⁴ in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

John makes a further outstanding claim about Jesus, the Word. Not only has everything come into being through Him, but He is the life and light of all people. This statement is good news and offensive at the same time. It is a relief to know there is a light and a source of life amid all life's struggles and darkness. This is great good news! But many are offended that Jesus is the source of light and life. Christian beliefs sometimes create an immediate resistance in those who follow other "lights" or who don't believe they need illumination or help.

Yet Jesus' intellectual and historic significance can be a bridge to His salvific power. A world without Him is a world without— universities, or hospitals, hospice centers, or general education, without the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. His imperfect followers have changed human history in innumerable positive ways. The impetus for our mission to others begins with His significance.

To know Jesus is to know life, and to follow Him is to care for the world in all of it’s need. What need moves your heart?

Gracious God,

Illuminate my life with the truth of Jesus, and fill my heart with His goodness and grace.

Amen.