The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word,^(A) and the Word was with God,^(B) and the Word was God.^(C)

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

²² Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools^{(A) 23} and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images^(B) made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

⁸ For you were once^(A) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{(B) 9} (for the fruit^(C) of the light consists in all goodness,^(D) righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord.^{(E) 11} Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,^(F) but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light^(G) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(K)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity,^(L) because the days are evil.^{(M) 17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^{(N) 18} Do not get drunk on wine,^(O) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,^{(P) 19} speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(Q) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks^(R) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.