By Reverend Dr. Fontella Irons

Bible Texts: Gospel of John 1:1-18 and Ephesians 1:3-14

(The following is an except from the sermon. You may listen to the sermon in its entirety by clicking on the headphone button.)

In the Gospel text today, we have some of the greatest words ever written: “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, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth…” The Gospel of John starts with two claims that would change history forever – Jesus is the incarnate Word of God and, as a result, humanity is extended the gift of eternal life through him. This, then, turns us to the greatest challenge of the book – belief in Jesus as the Messiah. As you begin this New Year of 2020, begin with Jesus. 

The Gospel tells us that John the Baptist came “as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” John’s “testimony” was this: Christ is coming! Now, our testimony is this: Christ has come! Salvation has come to us! This year, let every day of your life be lived as a witness to this fact – Christ has come. Salvation has come. As you testify to this fact all of the armies of heaven will stand with you.