lectionary.com

Christmas Season · Year A

Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Day Proper 3

Saint John the Evangelist (Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany), Jean Bourdichon
Saint John the Evangelist (Grandes Heures of Anne of Brittany), Jean Bourdichon, 1503–1508Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris
John sits on a rock on Patmos with his eagle beside him, pen raised, looking up from the book on his knees; in the prayer book this page opens the reading of his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word”.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory.Jean BourdichonCourt painter to four kings of France; this book of hours for Queen Anne of Brittany is his masterpiece.Bibliothèque nationale de France, ParisThe Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris (MS Latin 9474).Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris

Overview & Insights

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14)

The prologue is set apart from the rest of John’s Gospel by its designation of Jesus Christ as the Word (Gr.: logos , vv. 1, 14) rather than “the Son.” The term One and Only (implying sonship) is introduced, however, in verses 14 and 18 and sets the stage for the Gospel’s characteristic emphasis on the Father-Son relationship between God and Jesus. The prologue also stands somewhat apart from the rest of the Gospel stylistically.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: John 1:1-14

Commentary

Background & Word Study

The Church Fathers

Sermons & Reflections

Podcast

Art & Music

Study Hub

Questions preachers ask

Why does John begin at creation instead of Bethlehem?

Because he is answering a different question. Matthew and Luke tell how the child arrived; John tells who arrived, and traces him back past Abraham and past the first day to the Word who was with God and was God.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on John 1:1-14
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.