In the beginning is God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” These words from the very beginning of the Gospel according to John are a great way to start off the New Year. The “Word” in this case, or “logos” in the Biblical Greek, is representative of Jesus Christ—the central focus of Christianity. In this new beginning that is 2022 it is vital that Christians remember the sacred truth that Jesus is God.
In using the word “logos” to describe Jesus, the gospel writer was actually tapping into the contemporary imagery of the day and referencing a mediating factor between humanity and the heavens. Additionally, since “logos” literally means the “spoken word” and refers to the oral tradition that became the Hebrew Scriptures—or Old Testament as it is commonly called. Drawing attention to the ancient story of God’s relationship with God’s people, the Gospel writer is also making a direct connection to Genesis and the creation story as told in the Bible. These powerful parallels are not without profound significance.
The fundamental purpose of the opening chapters of Genesis in telling the two creation stories is to establish God’s loving care for humanity and God’s eternal desire to be in communion with humanity. From the very beginning of creation, God’s desire has been—and always will be—to be in union with the creation. Therefore, for a mediating factor, or bridge between God and humanity, to be present with God from the very beginning, tells us that Christ has always been a part of God’s plan for the salvation, or wholeness, of creation. God and God’s desire for wholeness are truly one!
This is an important concept to keep in mind as Christians embark on a new calendar year. Technically, there is nothing explicitly biblical about the calendar presently used in most of the world today. Yet, for modern culture, the prospect of starting over, making a fresh start, divesting of the mistakes of the past, and embracing a new future are part of the New Year’s tradition. In considering the prospect of new beginnings this year, for a Christian there is better way to start than affirming and confessing that there is no true beginning without God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
This does not nee to be complicated, mired in a bunch of theological speculation, anchored in arbitrary church tradition, or transformed into an eloquent sermon. It is a simple truth of Scripture that is often disregarded and tossed aside for the lure of earthly distractions. God is! Period!
God is the One who was in the beginning in full unity with the Word. God is the same One who is today in full unity with Jesus Christ so that Christians of all ages may have full and unhindered communion with our Creator. God is the One who in full unity with Jesus and for all eternity will be connecting with the creation in powerful and wonderful ways. For us, the question comes down to whether or not those who profess to be Christian will truly embrace Jesus in our Christian witness or will reject Christ in preference for worldly idolatrous false gods such as wealth, nationalism, power, prestige, or control. This January, let all Christianity embrace Christ fully and completely!