A Three Day Advent Study Looking into Emulating Christ's Love in Our Own Lives.
DAY ONE: Through His Birth We Have Rebirth
Scripture: John 1:9-14
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Devotion:
Let me start off by wishing everyone a very merry Christmas season. As I write, there is snow falling from the sky and several of our residents all cozied up in the theater watching a classic Christmas flick. To me if feels as if the holidays finally arrived. This season can be filled of great joy and warm hearts. I pray for all of you that it may be this way. However, I know that the holidays can often leave many feeling discontent and isolated. It is also my prayer that those who are experiencing the latter would open their hearts to the message of hope that often gets shifted to the background in this "Silver Bells" season. John 1:9-14 was chosen for today's scripture because it clearly expresses a message of light, hope, grace, rebirth, and belonging that is offered to all because of Jesus coming to earth as a humble baby born in a manger.
This passage of John is written so that those who read it or hear it, may come to understand and believe that this "true light" is Jesus Christ, and His humble birth which is celebrated this time of year. Christ has come into the world so that men and women would recognize His supreme gift of love and redemption, and chose to receive this gift through belief and faith in Jesus. In receiving and believing, one has a close and vital relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship bestows grace and truth to the believer. Similarly, the believer is giving the opportunity to be a source of light and love in this world.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
We praise You for Your coming to earth with focused intentions to bring redemption and eternal life to this dark and dying world. God, you are the true source of light in this world, and through this light we ourselves have come to know the abounding love You offer to all who believe. We lift up those who have not heard or have not received Your gift of eternal life. May You cultivate our hearts and our minds this season and forever more to be generous, caring, compassionate, and focused on proclaim the hope of Jesus to a world so desperately in need of it. We take this season to reflect on the generosity You have given to us. Father, may your praise be in our hearts.
Amen.