1/4/13- Acceptance of the Owner

9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Thoughts: These verses highlight the tragic rejection and the important reception of the Light of the world.  The greatest tragedy is when the Maker of All is rejected by those He made.  While God is the father of all- many reject His fatherhood.  But to those who accept His love, they are given the right to be heirs of the kingdom (Rom. 8:17; Gal. 3:29).
    John is the author who speaks of being born again (John 3), and here he introduces the concept of a second birth.  Christ came that we might come to Him.  Christ is born that we might be born again- a spiritual second birth.  As the carol says, "where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in."  Our great task is to respond to the light and to accept Him in order that we might be accepted. 

Prayer: Lord, I accept you.  Let my words, my life reflect that acceptance.