In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and The Word WAS God. Through Him ALL things were made; without Him nothing was made… In Him was Life and that life was the Light of men…. Though the world was made through Him, the world did not know Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet, to all who RECEIVED Him, who BELIEVED in His name, He gave the right to become children of God… The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us! (John 1: 1,3-4, 10-12, 14)
Even in the midst of a pandemic, this year I have been blessed beyond belief! Due to extended mandatory quarantine I was able to join (via Zoom) an in depth, inductive bible study on the book of John that my sister leads in California! Reading, studying, and discussing God’s amazing Word line by line has had a life changing impact on my mind and heart, the depth of my faith, and my relationship with God!
Every chapter of John’s gospel is filled with God’s powerful message of salvation through Jesus. When we pause to deeply meditate on the above words from John they become truly miraculous! The Advent season is a special time to prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of our Lord. The incredible gift of Jesus is overwhelming and beyond our finite understanding! Jesus is the Light of the World, the Savior of the World, the Almighty, Eternal, Majestic Son of God; the Christ-Creator of the Universe, the Author and Source of All Life; Immanuel-God in Human flesh dwelling with us; The King of Kings-Sovereign over all nations and all of creation. And He left his Throne and left the Majesty and Glory of Heaven to be so humbled and confined by space and time; in a womb and a human body; and ultimately to a Scourging Post, a Roman Cross, and then a Tomb to save each of us from our sins! He willingly paid for every single one of our sins with His Perfect, Sinless, Precious blood!!
Christmas is so much more than a baby in a manger! Jesus is the most beautiful, valuable gift ever given. He is the only perfect gift ever given. This advent season, may we all “unwrap” this precious gift; and take it into the very depths of our heart, soul and spirit to worship and treasure both now and for all eternity!
Heavenly Father, this advent, this Christmas, and forever, please help us to humble ourselves, and completely surrender our hearts to you. Through your Holy Spirit help us to receive and value the gift of our Savior as never before, and become a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17); so we can be “the salt and light” (Matt.5:13,14) you call us to be, to glorify your Holy Name! Amen.
Sandy Sadowski
