John 1:9-14

Wonder, wonder, everywhere.

I love the first chapter of the Gospel of Saint John.

It is an evocative, poetic piece of story-telling that never fails to enlarge the spirit within me.

It is what I call “wonder writing.” With repetition for emphasis, it describes the coming to earth of the Son of Man.

With “wonder writing,” there is a sweet ache within me as I navigate its words: true light; the Word became flesh and lived among us, the world did not know him, we have seen his glory, as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

As awe-inspiring as the annunciation is in the other three Gospels, it does not compare to John’s explanation of Jesus’ arrival among the people. John implants mystery and wonder into this narrative, appropriate I believe for a story such as this. About a father and son uniting to save the world.

For reference, I’m including AI search results for which of the four Gospels include annunciation:

Summary:

Only Matthew and Luke contain accounts of the Annunciation and Nativity:

 Matthew: Angel appears to Joseph

Luke: Angel Gabriel appears to Mary

Mark and John: Neither contains the Annunciation or the Nativity.