Summary: The four Christian gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - each have a unique approach to Christmas. Each author introduces Jesus to the world in a distinctive way. Each has a special story to tell - a perspective to share - a hope to offer. To partake of this hope, Day1 has been visiting the homes of the gospel writers this Advent. We have peeked in frosted windows to see how they have decorated their living rooms. We have noted who sits at their dinner tables. We have asked each of them: "Why do you think this moment in history is significant - is holy?" We began by visiting Mark's house. Mark didn't go in for much in the way of decorations or entertainment. For Mark, Christmas comes while we are in the wilderness. The second house on our tour of homes belonged to Matthew. Matthew was host to a big family reunion. He pulled out the album and the family tree to remind us that we all have been adopted by God. In the third house, Luke invited us to come inside and hold the baby. Holding a baby can be scary. They are so small. So vulnerable. But holding a baby can also give us tremendous hope. Today, we are going to visit John's house. John's home is different from the rest. There are no decorations, no inflatable shepherds or magi or angels. There is not even a baby. Instead, John has put out candles - lots and lots of simple candles - one in every window. Let us listen now for God's Word as it echoes to us from the very beginning of the Gospel according to John 1:1-5:
