John 1:9-18
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Reflection
Reading this passage about Jesus’ birth, I am struck immediately by “the world did not recognize him.” To not recognize him and yet, I see in myself times when I fail to recognize or receive him. One of my favorite quotes from Curt Thompson, M.D., is “when we come out of the womb, we are looking for someone who is looking for us.” Isn’t this the Christian perspective behind the incarnation? This Advent season I am inspired by the characters in the Christmas story. Mary who immediately received him, let it be unto me. The shepherds first to hear, recognized him, leaving their stations quickly to the birth of Jesus. The wise men who traveled from afar and brought Jesus gifts because they believed he was a king and worthy of worship. Even the animals nestling up nearby seem to know him.
- How are you recognizing and receiving Jesus?
- How might your looking for something in your life be an invitation to
look for Jesus more deeply? - How might the miracle and mystery of Jesus looking for you be hope and light for others?
Lord, I pray that I may more deeply look for you in all aspects of my life. May I truly believe you are always looking for me with your everlasting love.
Joan Wright