It is the second Sunday after Christmas. Today’s music is a short and simple selection from Haydn’s Creation: “In the Beginning.”

This music immediately follows the opening turmoil representing chaos, which is something you should really seek out if you have not heard it before.

Today’s Gospel reading is John 1:(1-9), 10-18:

The Word Became Flesh

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

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

The text of today’s piece is available here (.pdf) and the short passage above contains these words:

Raphael: In the beginning, God created Heaven and Earth; and the Earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

Chorus: In the spirit, God moved upon the face of the waters; and God said: Let there be light. And there was light.

Happy listening! Soli Deo gloria.