That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
—1 John 1:1-4

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In the Beginning: A Symphony of Love
By Jennifer Kane

Before the stars danced in the sky,
Before the oceans roared their song,
He was there—eternal, unchanging,
The Word of Life, the source of all creation.

You loved me first, before I knew Your name,
Held me close through joy and pain.
If my love is a spark, Yours is the blazing light,
An eternal flame in the darkest night.

We touched Him,
Heard His voice, saw His smile,
Felt His presence among us—
God in flesh, walking the dust of earth.

How can I describe Him?
One with the Father, yet sent to us,
He carried heaven in His gaze,
And brought eternity to our fingertips.

And He invites us—
Not to watch from a distance,
But to join the dance,
To share in fellowship with the Holy One,
To sit at His table, hand in hand,
With brothers, sisters, and saints of old.

Jesus Christ, the Son, the Word,
Gives joy that cannot be stolen,
A life overflowing,
A song that never ends.

Words fail to contain this wonder.
John labored to proclaim, and so do I—
You loved me first, my Savior, my Light.
Forever I’ll praise Your love so bright.

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Scriptures: 1 John 1:1-4, Micah 5:2, Romans 5:10, John 17:24, Psalm 16:11

John’s opening words in this letter offer a profound truth: Jesus, the eternal Word of Life, stepped into human history. This is not a distant concept or an abstract philosophy. John invites us into an intimate understanding and relationship with Jesus—a God who can be seen, heard, and touched. In Him, we find the key to fellowship with God and one another.

Before the world began, Jesus was. John’s testimony reflects this: Jesus is not just a historical figure but the eternal God who was “with the Father” and “manifested to us.” This aligns with Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1, showing Jesus as the Creator and the source of all life.

God didn’t remain distant. He came to us in the person of Jesus, inviting us to know Him. The eternal became tangible, allowing us to see, hear, and touch Him. How incredible is it that the same God who created the stars desires a relationship with us?

Meditate on Micah 5:2, which speaks of Jesus as eternal. Let this truth remind you that His love for you has no beginning or end.

John’s purpose in writing was to bring readers into fellowship: “That you may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). The Greek word koinonia means sharing life together. This is more than community—it is a shared relationship with God.

This fellowship was made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. As Romans 5:10 states, “We were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.” Now, we can approach God as Father and share in the love between Him and the Son.

Take time to pray and thank Jesus for opening the door to fellowship with God. Ask Him to deepen your connection with Him and your church family.

John later writes, “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4). True joy comes from knowing God, not as a distant deity but as a loving Father. This joy is not fleeting; it is rooted in the eternal life we receive through Jesus.

When you feel distant or unworthy, remember Jesus’ words in John 17:24: “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am.” God’s desire is to draw you into His presence and fill you with His joy.

Reflect on Psalm 16:11: “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Consider how you can seek God’s presence today to experience this joy more fully.

Ask yourself, am I living in the joy and fellowship Jesus made possible? Take practical steps to deepen your relationship with God. This might include setting aside time for prayer, studying His Word, or serving others in love. Remember, as you share in the life of Christ, you also share His mission to bring others into fellowship with Him.

Consider journaling about how Jesus has revealed Himself to you in tangible ways. How does this truth transform your understanding of God and your relationship with Him?

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Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Word of Life, so that we might know You. Help me to live in fellowship with You and share Your love with others. Fill my heart with joy as I walk closely with You, and let my life reflect the reality of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

December 13 2024