Tuesday, December 1

Beth Laidlaw, Deacon

The first chapter of John’s gospel describes Jesus’ entrance into an inhospitable world:

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” John 1:10-11.

I continue to marvel at how, set in my own patterns of thinking, I do not recognize others, let alone give them comfort. In addition, John gives a description of Christ’s amazing hospitality:

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God” John 1:12.

Lord, this Advent season, help me to see those around me who I take to be invisible. And help me to prepare comfort at my work, my home, and my table for your children who are newly visible to me. Amen