Day 62: Born of God

John 1:1-5, 9-13

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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 his own land, but his own people 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.

Comments

The Gospel of John’s Christmas story has no angels, no shepherds, and no wise men; it doesn’t even have Mary and Joseph. The only thing it has is the eternal Word, the light of life, becoming human and entering into a world of darkness. That is enough.

Reflections

Rejecting Jesus is defined here as choosing darkness rather than light. In what ways do people today continue to make that same choice?

Those who welcomed Jesus were given the right to become God’s children. What have you done to exercise that right?

Becoming a child of God is not the result of something you do, but of something God does in you. What has that looked like in your life?

Prayer

Help me never take for granted, Lord, the miracle of being your beloved child!