Awake, The Savior is Here

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Scripture: John 1:9-14 (ESV)

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Devotion:

            The babe lying in the manger on Christmas day came to bless us with all kinds of blessings. However, as indicated in today’s scripture reading, the world was not ready or willing to receive the gifts He came to offer. This world system has blinded our eyes and stopped our ears lest we see and hear the glad tidings from the angelic hosts. We leave the babe to grow up on His own. We train Him to be a carpenter like His adoptive dad and hope for the best.

            There are, however, some who are awake to what God is doing in the world. To these fortunate souls, a new light has dawned, and they are ready to follow its calling. Those awake enough to know and receive God’s precious gift are overjoyed. These people are called to be God's adoptive sons and daughters. They are to spread the gospel joy to the sleeping world. Their task is never easy for those who slumber and do not wish to be awakened. They prefer to be undisturbed in their rest.

            God promises a life of joy and happiness to those who answer His call to be His adoptive sons and daughters. Not a life free from trouble, but a life free to accomplish the tasks the Lord sets before them. A new birth is announced and proclaimed throughout the slumbering masses. God is busy calling a people to Himself—a people who are excited to proclaim the news that God is on the move in the world.

            Although it looks like evil and apathy will win the day, God never fails His people. It all began with a baby in a manger, which led to an innocent man hanging on a cross who walked out of a tomb having defeated death forever. Let us worship this God who provides victory to those awake to His plans for the earth.

Prayer:

            Lord, awaken us today to the new thing you did in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. Through the life of a helpless babe, you came into the world to save those who would become your followers. Help us seek to live in your light today. Strengthen us to carry your light everywhere you want us to go. Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth, Amen.

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