Children of God // John 1:12

One of the sweetest sounds to my ears right now is hearing Brighton’s little voice say, “daddy.” Most of the times it’s sweet. Sometimes she says it when she’s scared, mad, frustrated, or in need. Still, she knows that I hear that word and will respond in one way or another.

John opens his Gospel by describing Jesus as the eternal Word who stepped into the world He created. True, many did not recognize Him, but those who did were given something astonishing: “the right to become children of God.” This verse reminds us that receiving Jesus isn’t just acknowledging His existence; it’s embracing the gift of belonging, identity, and new life that He offers as part of God’s holy forever family.

At Christmas, we celebrate the moment God made this invitation visible and tangible…when the Word became flesh as our Lord so that we could become His sons and daughters. Take a moment today to rest in the truth that you are fully welcomed, loved, and claimed by God because you have received Christ. What might it look like for you to more fully receive Jesus — and live out your identity as God’s child — during this Advent season into Christmas and beyond?