1 John 1:1-4

1 John 1:1-4
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

These few verses serve as the opening to the first of three letters written from the Johannine community, and while these words are written during a specific time for a specific purpose, there is a clear message to all who hear or read these words.  Something has happened that has changed their lives, and they want to share this good news with others.  Verse one speaks of the word of life, that is, Jesus Christ himself.  Jesus, the Son of God, is the one they have encountered; they have seen his work and heard his words; they have experienced a relationship with him, and because of this relationship with him and with one another, they have experienced true joy --- and in order to complete that joy --- they must share it with others.

When you have good news to share, you can’t help but share it; it bubbles out of you.  Jeff and I were on vacation when we found out I was pregnant with Sarah.  Early in our marriage, “vacation” meant we were visiting our parents.  We first shared the news with my parents, and then with his parents --- and since it was very early in my pregnancy, we wanted to wait before we shared the news with the congregation.  Upon returning home from vacation, however, the news was not able to be hidden --- one look at Jeff, and they knew.  He was beaming with love and excitement.  It could not be contained.  The joy just bubbled out of him --- and I know he was relieved that he didn’t have to try to keep it a secret.  

Good news and true joy cannot be contained; they must be shared.  As the verse says - “we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”  We have fellowship with each other and with God through God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  Let us expand this fellowship and sense of community with others, so that our joy might also be complete.  After all, good news cannot be contained; it must be shared.

Prayer: Most gracious and holy God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ into this world to make your love known to all people.  Our eyes have been opened to your holy presence and in the fellowship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are filled with joy.  Help us to share this good news with others, so that they, too, may know the joy that you desire for all people.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.