Christmas Season · Year B
Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Day Proper 3
December 25, 2026
Overview & Insights
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.” (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.
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Commentary
John 1:1-14 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reads the prologue as John's nativity story, tracing how the Word made flesh sets grace loose in the rest of the gospel.
John 1 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Calvin Seminary's Reformed commentary on the prologue, dwelling on the shock of the eternal Word pitching a tent among us in real flesh.
Nativity of the Lord, Mass During the Day Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reading of the Christmas gospel with Incarnation background and discussion questions, framing John's poetry alongside the manger scene.
In the Beginning Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican sermon on John's prologue that moves from cosmic Logos language to the pastoral news that God has come to dwell with us.
John 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical verse-by-verse walk through the Word, the light, and the witness of John, useful for structure and cross-references.
Classic commentaries on John 1 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott and others on 'the Word was God.'
Background & Word Study
Jesus the Word Become Flesh in John 1 Psephizo · Ian Paul
Unpacks the prologue as an overture that previews the whole gospel, clarifying the Logos background and the grammar of verse 14.
Overview: John BibleProject
Sets the chapter inside John's whole-book design, tying its creation echoes and light imagery back to Genesis.
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
What does John's prologue add to the Christmas story?
Where Luke gives the manger, John gives its meaning: the eternal Word through whom all things were made became flesh, full of grace and truth, the light no darkness can overcome.
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