We’ve reached the eleventh day of our journey toward Christmas, and today, I want us to dive into a powerful passage found in John 1. A light shining and lighting the darkness all around us.
John’s Gospel paints a vivid picture of the profound significance of Jesus Christ coming into the world. It reads, “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
These verses speak volumes about acceptance and rejection, about the response to the divine Light breaking into the darkness of the world.
God, the very creator of the universe, stepped into our brokenness, yet tragically, many failed to recognize Him. He came to the Jewish people, His own chosen nation, yet they largely turned away from Him, rejecting the very One who came to save them.
It’s a sobering reminder that sometimes, even when the light of truth and salvation stands right before us, we might fail to perceive it. Preoccupied with our own preconceptions, expectations, or worldly distractions, we might miss the profound significance of the Savior’s arrival.
But here’s the beautiful part: despite the rejection Jesus faced, there were those who did receive Him, who opened their hearts to believe in His name. To these individuals, to anyone who welcomes Jesus into their lives, a profound transformation occurs. They are given the incredible privilege of becoming children of God, not by earthly lineage or human effort, but through a divine, spiritual rebirth.
This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we, like those who rejected Jesus, unknowingly turning away from the Light that shines in the darkness? Are we allowing our prejudices, doubts, or the distractions of this world to overshadow the profound truth and grace found in Christ?
Let’s take a moment today to reflect on our response to Jesus. Let’s open our hearts to receive Him anew, to believe in His name, and to embrace the incredible gift of becoming children of God through faith in Him.
As we continue our Advent journey, let’s be intentional about not rejecting the Savior. Instead, let’s welcome Him into our lives, allowing His light to illuminate our paths, bringing hope, joy, and transformation.
May our hearts be open, our spirits be receptive, and our lives be forever changed by the profound love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Stay encouraged, dear friends, and let’s keep our eyes fixed on the Light that shines brightly in the midst of darkness during this Advent season.
