Saturday, December 21, 2019  

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  John 1:10–14
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (NRSV)

Reflection
One of my favorite photos was taken almost exactly fifty-one years ago. On Christmas Eve 1968 Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders captured the iconic image called “Earthrise.” It is stunning. The blue Earth, with swirls of white clouds, rising over the edge of a vacant Moon, hovers in the blackness of space. When I look at it I am both awed and humbled. I thought of this picture when I read this passage from John. God not only created our good Earth but is also present in it. God not only brought all into being, he chose to experience humanity firsthand, to participate in life with us.

But does the world yet know him?

God is here in every sunrise and in every living thing on the planet. God is here in every unselfish hand extended and in every word of love expressed. God is here in every winter morning and in every warming embrace. God not only resides among us still but shows us her presence if we only have the eyes to see. 

God chose to be among us, to be within each of us, enveloping us. If we open our eyes to the light, we can become one with God. Sometimes we have to step outside of ourselves to truly see. When I look at “Earthrise” I see the light shining in the darkness and I am humbled and awed and filled with hope.

Prayer
Gracious God, it’s almost time. You choose to come to us so that we might see what love looks like. Open our eyes to the light to see how amazing is your grace. Amen.

Written by Ken Ohr, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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