Some joy creeps into the readings this week. We are closer to the moment of Incarnation when God takes on a human identity, becomes flesh, and dwells among us. God becoming human casts new light on our own identity.

A story from the noncanonical Protevangelion of James tells how young John’s life was also threatened during Herod’s slaughter of the innocents. In his jealousy for his kingship Herod was most anxious to eliminate the sons of priests. Elizabeth snatched up her child and headed for the hills, but her elderly body could not make the climb.

There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.

The movie Wonder, based on R.J. Palacio's best-selling novel by the same name, is an exploration of the power of simple acts of kindness. Each character in this coming-of-age story is able to move from fear to hope by one caring gesture from someone else: A cool student sits at the lunch table with the “freaky” student; a friend sacrifices the limelight so another can shine; a dad gives his son an encouraging word to defend himself; a mom offers a daughter insight about the ups and downs of relationships.

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Help us to walk in your light.

John is the voice, but the Lord is the Word who was in the beginning. John is the voice that lasts for a time; from the beginning Christ is the Word who lives for ever.