It’s the Christmas story according to the Gospel of John.  Just one verse.  But what a verse!  “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  There is so much to be learned from this verse, but let’s focus on just one thought – “full of grace and truth.”  This coming week as we contemplate the first coming of our Savior, think about that phrase.  Start at the back – full of truth.  In this age of changing values, denial of absolutes, uncertainty of the future, and the growing distrust in so much, keep in mind that our Lord embodies truth.  He declares truth.  He, in fact, is truth.  Because of that, we need not be shaken when we face whatever is said, whatever happens, or whatever the future holds.  Our hope is in Him, the Truth.  Unchanging, absolute, trustworthy Truth.  But that’s not all.  He is also full of grace.  Grace to forgive and save anyone and everyone.  Grace to sustain us in any trouble.  Grace to give victory in any temptation.  Grace to provide strength in any task He gives us.  Grace to shape and mold us into what He would have us to be.  To sum it all up, He is full of truth to give us something rock-steady to hold on to, and He is full of grace to help us hold on to it.  So on Christmas Day as you read the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew, don’t forget John.  And remember that when the Lord Jesus came, He came “full of grace and truth!”