DECEMBER 26, 2014
In
The Neighborhood
Read: John
1:1-14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. —John 1:14
It was the buzz of our
neighborhood. A famous professional football player had moved in just two
houses down from where we lived. We had seen him on television and read about
his great skills on the field, but we never thought he would choose to reside
in our neighborhood. Initially, our expectations were that we would welcome him
into the neighborhood and we would all become great friends. But his life was
obviously far too busy for any of us to get to know him personally.
Imagine this:
Jesus—the Lord of the universe and Creator of all things—chose to dwell among
us! He left heaven and came to this earth. As John says, “We beheld His glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). Jesus chose to
become intimately involved with all who will come to Him. And, even more
significant, for those of us who have received His redeeming love, the Holy
Spirit has now set up residence in our hearts to comfort, counsel, convict,
lead, and teach us.
When you think of the
Babe in the manger, remember how special it is that He not only moved into our
“neighborhood,” but that He did it so He could bless us with the intimate privileges
of His residence within us.
Lord, I’m amazed that You, the greatest One of
all,
would take up residence within us! Help us to
treasure the gift of Your presence as our
ultimate joy.
Draw us to Yourself to enjoy intimacy with
You.
Take
advantage of the gift of God’s presence.
Insight
John’s writings focus
on the theme of light. Here, in the prologue of his gospel, John identifies
Jesus as “the Light” to whom he bears witness (v.7). While also picturing Jesus
as the Word (v.1) and the Creator (v.10), the portrayal of Jesus as the “Light
of the world” seems to be foremost in John’s mind (John 8:12; 9:5). He is the
Light who has come to live among us.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
