The Meaning of Life

THE WORD BECAME FLESH—John 1.1,4-5, 14, 16
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among
us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace
and truth. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

GOSPEL OF LUKE READING—Luke 2:8-20
8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over
their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10And the angel said
to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for
all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who
is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in
swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one
another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which
the Lord has made known to us.” 16And they went with haste and found Mary and
Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known
the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it
wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these
things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and
praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.