John's Gospel doesn't mention any of the details about the birth of Christ. As mentioned in the two previous Christmas Without the Bling series messages, there is no Mary, marriage, maternity, manger or Magi in the fourth Gospel. The Gospel of Matthew and Luke provide the genealogies of Jesus, and all the biographical information about his miraculous birth to inspire wonder and mystery into the holiday.
But, there is a nativity story in the Gospel of John. This particular birth narrative is central to the Prologue in Chapter 1, verses 1-18, our text pasages for this Christmas season. But, it is also a central theme of the entire Gospel.
This birth narrative is about you and me, and God's redemptive plan for history. It is the possibility of a new birth, declared, "Yt, to al who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God---children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13). It is the most incredible birth narrative of all, a miracle the is beyond the grasp of mortal minds. This is the story of redemption. Glory!
As we edge closer to the celebration of His birth, perhaps we should reflect on the most profound birth narrative, the one that is about us. Sure, the mantra of the contemporary church is "it's not about you", and I agree with it. Life is certainly not ego-centric. No, this life is Christo-centric. But, al that he did, he did for me and you, that we might experience this most amazing birth narrative.
So, I'm in a rut. It just makes me want to say, "wow!"
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