Epiphany Devotional
January 6, 2026
John 1:1-5 - Pastor Jen Boyd (Trinity, Brewster, NY)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
I love the beginning of John’s Gospel. Unlike Matthew and Luke, it does not start with the birth of Jesus. Rather it begins with the birth of all creation. God speaks all things into being - birds and flowers, seas and sky, animals, you and me.
We are reminded that all that we can see, touch, smell, taste and hear is because of God’s creating power. The Word brought us and all things into being. And with the birth of creation, the love of God was spoken into our midst. We are a result of that love. All things came into being because of God’s abundant love.
Stop and think about that more a minute. Think about those people and things that you love most. Think of those that you do not love. All people, all of creation are a result of God’s love. While our love for each other as well as for God might fail short, God’s love is steadfast and sure, never failing, always present.
The Word that is given is Love. A seemingly simple word. A simple word that can encompass so very much - from the love of pizza to the love of family to the love of God. It can challenge us as well as encourage us. It can bring us peace and it can sustain us when we are weary. It can offer hope and the promise of a future.
One of my newer favorite Christmas hymns is “Love has come”. I find that in its uplifting music and lyrics that we find the true significance of both this scripture reading and the Word becoming enfleshed among us. Let it be our prayer for this day.
In the beginning was the Word and that Word was and is and will always be Love - the love that finds its full expression in Jesus the Christ.
Prayer: “Love Has Come”( #292 ELW)
Love has come—a light in the darkness!
Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it;
Hear how their song of joy arises:
Love! Love! Born unto you a Savior!
Love! Love! Glory to God on high.
Love is born! Come, share in the wonder,
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of his mother;
What is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers;
Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel.
Love has come and never will leave us!
Love is life everlasting and free.
Love is Jesus within and among us.
Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.
Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.
Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
Text: Ken Bible, b. 1950 Music: F. Seguin, Recueil de noels composes en langue Provençale, 1856 Text © 1996 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music All rights reserved. Used with permission. Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #734594-A.