Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The author of this letter isn't identified, but was assumed by the early Church Fathers to be the author of John's Gospel. It's a beautifully simple but profound meditation on the nature of Christian love in the light of Christ.
The opening chapter focuses on the astonishing truth that God became incarnate as a human being. To know Christ is to know God. Believers share in the 'Word of life' (verses 2–3), the 'fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ'.
Because 'God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him' (verse 5), it's inconceivable that those who belong to him should continue to live sinful lives. That's not to say that we don't sin – John is entirely realistic about that – but by confessing our sins we're restored to a right relationship with God.
So the thinking in these verses flows from an overwhelming sense of the holiness of God, together with an overwhelming sense of the grace of God. He is infinitely beyond us, but Christ has made him known; and through Christ, our sins and weaknesses can be forgiven and purified. How does knowing this affect our attitudes to one another and the way we live our lives? Humility is one result; with gratitude, tolerance, and confidence in God's promise of forgiveness.
God, thank you for revealing yourself in Christ Jesus, the light of the world. Help me to live in the light, and to turn away from the things of darkness.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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