This time of year many churches around the world have someone read from the 1st Chapter of John’s Gospel.  As we start a new year, the words in the early verses are wonderful to reflect upon. Here are some excerpts.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Here we learn that God speaks, that all things are made through God, that God cannot be overcome by what is wrong and that God’s word became flesh, Jesus.  This is not only a reminder that God came among us as Jesus, but that words, God’s and even ours, have a physical impact. Words are potent and they affect reality and the everyday experience of people worldwide.  As such, we each enjoy the God given gift of words. Words which we can choose to use for or against the love of God.

A friend of mine recently said he heard someone say that when God spoke and God’s word became flesh in Jesus, God’s words were the most eloquent ever spoken.  As I reflect upon Jesus’ life, indeed his words were eloquent, powerful, meaningful, forceful, healing and enlightening.

For some reason when I was thinking about Jesus’ eloquence, the phrase “The Eloquence in the Room,” came to mind.   Obviously a takeoff on the concept of the elephant in the room. But as I thought about this more, I realized that the phrase “The Eloquence in the Room” is actually more than something silly and trite.  In fact it is a reminder that if we pay attention, Jesus, the penultimate expression of eloquence, is indeed right in front of us, in every situation, in the midst of all, whether or not we notice or acknowledge His presence.  I find this to be very good news indeed that I need to remember.

Eloquence, Jesus, is a continual presence in my life and in yours and what great news to carry along with us as we enter a new year.  It is my prayer that each of us will notice the eloquence in the room more and more each and every day in the midst of whatever is happening as we enter 2019.  Happy New Year and prayers for a joy-filled and blessed year ahead.