A Christmas Story

Scripture – John 1:10-14: 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 received 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, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Observation – This is John’s version of the Christmas story. The Word of God – the essence and reality of God – became a human being. That is a breath-taking statement of faith. No other religion comes close to this. God is reaching out to us in Christ. As we receive Him, we become no less than children of God. In December, as we sing the carols and act out the Bethlehem story, this is what we proclaim.

Application – I will celebrate Christmas today. While I won’t put up decorations, I may sing a carol or two. I will celebrate the fact that God has come into my life. I will give Him praise and thanks for doing that. As we’ve been saying at church, “Jesus is the Reason” – not just for a season, but for all of life.

Prayer – Lord, thank you for coming to us. Help me help people recognize you. They don’t know what they’re missing. By your grace, I do know. Thanks, again.