Christian Reflection and Prayer

(Day 23 of Adent)

Scripture:

Read 1 John 3:1-3. 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
(John 1:12-13).

The manger shows us the amazing humility of our Lord.
But it also stands as a stark reminder of the world that
rejected the very God who came to save it and give us
eternal life. In the brief span of a little more than 30 years
that Baby went from the manger to the cross to a tomb --
all at the hands of His own people who rejected Him.
 
But not everyone rejected Him. There were -- and are --
many individuals who receive Him and rejoice at His
appearing, even on that first Christmas. These include
Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, and the wise men who
saw His star, leading them on their long journey west.
Jesus didn't come in power, pomp or an irresistible show
of force. He came quietly and inconspicuously, a tiny
Baby lying in a feeding trough.

He comes to us the same way today -- through simple,
non-pretentious words, through a splash of water, through
simple bread and wine. He comes to us quietly, but He
does a remarkable thing. He gives us the right to become
His brothers and sisters: God's very own children. It's not
because of our genealogy, hard work, or lives of dedicated
service. We are born of God by the faith created in us by
the Holy Spirit.

THE PRAYER:  Holy Father, thank You for giving us faith
by which we receive the right to become Your children in
Jesus Christ our Savior. Keep us in this faith that we may
always remain part of Your forever family. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)