This isn't meant to be anything other than helpful.
I just wanted to say that you really can't understand John 1:1 without 1:2

"He was in the beginning with God."

Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the Word. That the Word can be manifested is what gives sense to statements about the Word. That sense is given is what allows us to respond to the Word with what we have been given, hence to our salvation. (and with Christ's sacrifice our complete salvation)