This morning I started reading in John again, starting in chapter 1.  we read that in the beginning was “the “Word”, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  Through Him all things were made.  And this Word came into the world so that human beings might from Him, He who made all, and gave all form and breath, recover the light and life they were created to know.

I paused today to think a few on these verses:

¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

How simple is the call: receive him, believe in his name.  It is not a fraternity one has to pledge for, or a position one is born into, or an honor in partiality bestowed, like the eldest son’s birthright, or the product of somebody else’s desires and whims.  “Do you believe I am the light of the world?” “Will you take me unto yourself, and let me burn bright within your life?”  “You are my brother, and our Father pours His life and Spirit into you.”

God simply wants us to accept that the Word, Jesus, is who he says he is.  In that assent, we are granted access to the river of life that comes with his gift to us, the Holy Spirit.

Lord, may your light and life fill us and flow through us as we stand with a “yes” on our lips, and hand extended that we might take yours and walk close to you.  Help us to see all things more clearly by your light, and to live more fully by your work within us.