DECEMBER 06

To Make Children of God

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the 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. Yet to all who did receive 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 1:9-13

Children are inheritors. More than that, they are often the reflection of the parents. They tend to model both the best and worst parts of their personality. Part of the goal of raising children within the first century was not only to create additional labor for the work of the Patriarch but so that they could inherit all that there was when the Patriarch passed away.

The point John is making is that we have no parents. We work but only for things that will perish. We inherit, but only that which will fade away. The only personality we model is that which has been distorted by sin. We are cosmic orphans living in a borrowed world. But Jesus came so that in believing, we may be adopted.

In our belief, we are accepted into the family of God. The worst parts of us are exposed before an incredible light, but it graciously shows us the path to follow. We carry out the work and will of God and in the death of Jesus, we inherit all the blessings we never deserved. In Jesus, every part of the family that sin distorted, God redeems. 

Want to know ways you can give generously this Advent season? Bring toys to the lobby to show love to families in our own community.

toy categories

• 0-2 year old female
• 0-2 year old male
• 3-5 year old female
• 3-5 year old male
• 6-8 year old female
• 6-8 year old male
• 9-11 year old female
• 9-11 year old male
• 12+ year old female
• 12+ year old male
• Gift Wrap Supplies
(Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Tape)

Please return items to Christ’s Church no later than Sunday, December 11.