Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 76; Isaiah 4:2-6; John 1:6-13; Acts 10:9-16; Psalm 43
Lot’s of folks have a “wish list” when it comes to Christmas: things that they desire but seem well beyond their reach. For some this list might include an expensive flat-screen high definition TV; for others it might be a diamond ring; for still others, it might be a trip to another country. There’s one such thing that is on most people’s list that’s so elusive that – over the years – they’ve completely forgotten to even include it on such a wish list. That item is total love and acceptance. Over the years we’ve become so use to living with others’ expectations of who we are that gradually we begin to give up on the notion that anyone can love us for who we REALLY are. Instead, we settle for letting them love and appreciate the person they think we are. Luckily in today’s Gospel reading from John, we are reminded of One who does in fact love us for who we are. In the prologue, the author uses these words to describe the dynamic around the coming of Jesus: “But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, he made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves” (John 1:12 - The Message). As we prepare ourselves once again to receive the coming of the Christ-child, we can give thanks for the one who not only allows us to be our true selves, but who actually helps make that possible. May our experience of the Christ-child this year awaken us to the fact that we can cross at least one item off our wish-list. Til next time…
Lot’s of folks have a “wish list” when it comes to Christmas: things that they desire but seem well beyond their reach. For some this list might include an expensive flat-screen high definition TV; for others it might be a diamond ring; for still others, it might be a trip to another country. There’s one such thing that is on most people’s list that’s so elusive that – over the years – they’ve completely forgotten to even include it on such a wish list. That item is total love and acceptance. Over the years we’ve become so use to living with others’ expectations of who we are that gradually we begin to give up on the notion that anyone can love us for who we REALLY are. Instead, we settle for letting them love and appreciate the person they think we are. Luckily in today’s Gospel reading from John, we are reminded of One who does in fact love us for who we are. In the prologue, the author uses these words to describe the dynamic around the coming of Jesus: “But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, he made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves” (John 1:12 - The Message). As we prepare ourselves once again to receive the coming of the Christ-child, we can give thanks for the one who not only allows us to be our true selves, but who actually helps make that possible. May our experience of the Christ-child this year awaken us to the fact that we can cross at least one item off our wish-list. Til next time…
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