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. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:9-14 NLT
The first Sunday of Advent. Loosely translated, it means 'coming'. As a child, my only knowledge of Advent came with a pop-out calendar that counted 24 days until Santa's coming on Christmas Eve. I have since learned that each week of Advent has its own theme. The first week is Hope or the Promise.
The Messiah was coming to Earth for the first time. And although they were looking for Him, He didn't come the way the world expected, so they missed His entrance. They had all their hope built up - waiting...and waiting...and waiting. They just couldn't see it.
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. Do we do the same? Wait for Him? Watch for Him? Expect Jesus to show up in a certain way?
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. That is our hope, our promise - to be His children.
Prayer:
Father,
You are our hope and our trust. According to Your Word, fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in You, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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