John 1:4-12 ~
“The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

I read the familiar words and read them again. The true light was coming. He would give light to everyone. And as it happened, His very own people rejected Him. It feels sad to think they missed it. Tossed it aside. Was ignored. Unrecognized.
But who says I wouldn’t have been in that crowd? Tramping along, narrow focus, unable to recognize this true light.
Light feels like it shouldn’t be hard to miss. Even a small candle pierces through the darkness.
Amazing how we can be blind to light.
I’ve felt rejection. I suppose we all have in one way or another.
The comfort in this is, the True Light knows how we feel. He tasted the utmost rejection. But He came despite the pain.
Because! To those who were halted by the Light, who did recognize and embrace Him, who believed, He gave them the right to become children of His Father.
It’s incredible, really. So much about the Gospel and Grace is outrageous abundance we can’t quite understand.
So we make lists and laws and rules and rituals because our minds can understand this better.
We try harder and stand straighter, even though we’re bent under a really heavy load.
And He beckons and says, “Come child. Come to the Light. Believe in me and live the precious free life I have for you.”
Acceptance in Him. Beloved by Him.
EVERY.
SINGLE.
DAY.
The manger waits expectantly this month to be filled with Light.
I’ve been loving listening to this song.

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