"In the beginning" are the words that start today's Gospel. These words echo the beginning of the Book of Genesis. The Gospel writer is expressing that the Word existed even before the creation of the cosmos and that by the coming of this Word into the world as Jesus, there is a new beginning and a new order.

The letter to the Hebrews describes this new order. In the past God spoke to humanity through intermediaries - now God speaks to us directly through his own son. There is a fundamental difference here. Through Jesus' physical presence on earth, we can not only hear about, but also see, touch and taste the extent of God's great love for us.

Today's Gospel also reminds us that Jesus was not accepted by His own people. It reminds us that Christmas is intimately linked to Easter. The Incarnation is deeply connected to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. This is the ultimate expression of God's love.

Jesus has come to save us from our sins and to unite us with the Father. This mission will eventually be completed at a great price to Jesus. Today we celebrate this mission in its tender beginnings.