Listen

But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace; as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made God known.

John 1:12-14, 16-18

Think

Some people can be blinded by glory. For instance, movie stars, singers, writers, and athletes with millions of fans who look up to them and want to be like them. All that praise from other people can feel good. But sometimes, you can start to think that you deserve all of it like you have a right to it. You begin to believe that you are better than everyone else.

The disciples could have been blinded by glory. All of those crowds following Jesus and them. The people listening to what they had to say and behaving the way that they suggested. But the disciples experienced a different kind of glory that we are told was full of grace and truth.

Glory can be like a bright light to the eyes that blinds you. Glory can also be like a bright light that helps you see that the grace of God created the world. It can help you see that the world is full of the truth that God loves each one of us equally and beyond measure.

Patrick Kangrga

Pray

God, thank you for role models to look up to. Thank you for giving me people who help me dream big and aspire to do great things. While seeking to do great things, help me always to see the world in the light of your grace and truth and the glory of your love. Amen.

Go

Is the Christmas light still shining bright in you?

Take that light out into the world.

Live brightly so that others may take notice and be reminded of God’s love and light.