#1403. John 1:1–5 - The Christmas story begins in eternity (8/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we begin our Christmas series.

From John 1:1–5 we learn that Christmas—Jesus’ birth—was not His beginning. Jesus is the eternal God, who existed before creation and through whom all things were made.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Jesus is God (1:1) 

John intentionally echoes Genesis 1: ‘In the beginning…’ Before anything existed, God was - eternal, uncreated, self-existent. And John tells us that Jesus, ‘the Word,’ was both with God and was God.

This means:

• Jesus is fully divine.

• Every attribute of deity belongs to Him.

• He did not begin in Bethlehem - He has always been.

Christmas celebrates the moment the eternal Son stepped into His creation, not the moment He came into existence.

2. He was with God (1:2-4)

John makes a second crucial point: Jesus, though fully God, is also distinct from the Father.

Here we glimpse the mystery of the Trinity:

• One God

• Three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• In perfect, eternal fellowship and love

Before the world began, the Son shared glory with the Father (John 17:5).

Before there was time, the Triune God lived in perfect unity.

This is the One who came to us at Christmas.

3. The light shines in the darkness (1:5) 

Next, John adds that:

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’  (John 1:5)

Jesus is ‘light’ that has come into the world’s darkness. What does this mean? Today, let’s simply focus on the truth that Jesus is the light of God - He is God made visible and touchable. In Jesus we see:

• His character

• His compassion

• His holiness

• His saving purpose

He shows the world what God is like as never before. Yes, creation and ‘life’ are a light that speaks of God, however, to truly know God we must reflect on the life, teachings and be filled with the presence of Jesus. 

Response

As we begin this Christmas season, let’s remember:

• The baby in the manger is the eternal Creator.

• He is the light that reveals God perfectly.

• He still shines into the darkness of our world and our hearts to reveal God and hope to us.  

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we begin in our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 2:8-12, was entitled, The Shepherds Were Invited.

This account of the invitation of the shepherds has so much to teach us; particularly, how the gospel invites everyone to come to God, and that everyone needs to come to God through Jesus.

Please read Luke 2:8-12 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• Why would it have been surprising that this invitation came, firstly, to the shepherds?

• Why is the coming of Christ 'good news' and 'great joy' for all people?

• How can you and I ensure that we enjoy this good news and joy as we should?

• What does it mean for Jesus to be the 'Saviour'?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.