Readings: 1 John 2:18-21, John 1:1-18
John Lundgren
In John chapter One we learn that Jesus “came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…And from His fullness have we all received Grace upon Grace.” This is Grace that we dare not refuse.
Our first “work” as believers is to receive. Our posture is one of hands open and arms outstretched as we receive the wonderful gift of Grace in Faith. It is also the posture of our ongoing and growing life in Christ. Our open receiving hands are also open giving hands that do not cling. We release our sin and guilt and shame and grief to the Cross of our suffering Lord. We release our ashes and receive His beauty. We release our self-righteousness and receive His purity. We receive His broken Body and Blood at His Table even as He receives us.
Like the apostle Paul, we say, “that which I have received from the Lord, I also give to you…”
We share the healing we have received with one another as we tell our own stories. We receive spiritual gifts, symbolized by the 7 Swans of this 7th day of Christmas, and release them to one another to build up the church. And we lift our open hands and hearts and release our praise and adoration to our Great and gracious God.
These are but a few pictures of how we walk in the ways of Jesus. He received the Holy Spirit at His baptism. He received all the Love of His Father in complete obedience. He received and drank the cup that He was given releasing his very life and relationship with the Father so that we might receive His fullness and Joy as we share in His sufferings that we might also share in his Glory.
Song: Holy Water by We the Kingdom