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 were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

—From John 1:1–5, 9–18 (NKJV)

Reflection

Not everyone celebrates the start of a new year on January first. China’s lunar calendar marks a date in late January or early February as the new year. Jewish communities celebrate the new year at Rosh Hashanah in late September. For the Babylonians, a year began on a day in late March with equal hours of sunlight and darkness, while in Egypt, a new year began with the annual flooding of the Nile. Even ancient Christians changed the date of the new year to December 25th and at other times March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation) rather than accept the Roman calendar’s pick of January 1st, which honored the Roman god of beginnings, Janus. What has been part of nearly every New Year’s observance, however, is the reflection on the year before with a mind toward the year ahead. The practice of making New Year’s resolutions dates back at least to the ancient Babylonians, perhaps farther. Will you make resolutions this year? 

Celebrate Together

Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Consider the significance of Jesus’s interaction with the woman at the well, explore the Jesse Tree symbol for Jesus the Word made Flesh, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about the strength of the Light of Christ.

Inspiration

Music

Consider the Word made Flesh as you enjoy Do You Hear What I Hear! [Play Video]

Although not a carol, Auld Lang Syne is the traditional song to ring in the New Year. It reminds us of the importance of friendship and keeping memory alive. [Play Video]

Visit our Joy of Advent YouTube playlist for featured videos, our Ultimate Christmas playlist for all our favorite carols, or our sing-along carols to enjoy karaoke style.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God,
who stooped to raise fallen humanity
through the child-bearing of blessed Mary:
grant that we, who have seen your glory
revealed in our human nature
and your love made perfect in our weakness,
may daily be renewed in your image
and conformed to the pattern of your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Amen

(Book of Common Prayer, The Church of England)

Resources

• What are some of the strangest New Year’s traditions around the world? If you have a weirder one, reply to this message and let us know!

• Enjoy a printable coloring page of the Word as a baby in a manger.

• Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.

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