Advent Day 13: Receive

Advent Words Day 13: Receive

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

This verse is such a wonderful contrast to yesterday's verses. Yesterday we saw how God's own people did not receive the gift of His Son. Yet, thankfully, that's not the end of the story! As commentator Bob Utley says, today's verse "shows humanity's part in salvation. Humans must respond to God's offer of grace in Christ."

To receive Him is to believe in His name. We have to receive -accept- the gift of salvation God offers us through His Son.

"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

We will continue to explore the great news in this verse in the days ahead.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:15

Join me in responding creatively to the Advent Words in John's prologue. You can share your creative response on Instagram using #adventwords2019 or join the Words Challenge Facebook Group and share your creative response there.