December 12, 2023
"He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John gives us an alternative story of Jesus’ coming to earth. He focuses less on the physical way Jesus was born and more on what Jesus came to accomplish. John describes Jesus as the creator coming down to his creation, yet upon his arrival those he created rejected him. This rejection of Christ is a product of the sin nature of mankind. Yet, through the work Christ did on the cross, those who place their faith in Christ “he gave the right to become children of God”. The coming of Christ promised the restoration of the relationship with God, this brought the ultimate peace to mankind. Jesus is the only true bringer of peace, he is the only one who has defeated sin and death completely, the only one who has lived with the righteousness required by the law. He freely offers this peace to us. Peace that is fulfilled when we are restored completely upon His 2nd coming!
Lord, thank you for Christ and his coming to the earth. Thank you for the grace of the cross and its saving work. Teach me to live in your place as a child of God.