To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. ((John 1:12)

This one, simple verse tells us why Jesus was born—so that we could become children of God. Could there possibly be a greater Christmas gift? All we have to do is receive him and believe in him.

How do you welcome a guest into your home? Don’t you try to make him or her feel welcomed and comfortable? What if this guest had something that you desperately needed? Wouldn’t you go out of your way more than usual? This is how Jesus wants us to welcome him today—with arms open to receive his salvation; with a willing heart to embrace his counsel and protection; and ready to drop everything to take our place of honor in his kingdom.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus came as an innocent, lovable baby, but he is still the almighty Son of God. He is still the One who gives us the “grace and truth” we need to overcome sin and become united with him forever (John 1:17). He is still the One who will come back at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. Clearly, receiving Jesus means so much more than a sense of happiness when we look at a manger scene!

According to St. John, believing in Jesus and receiving him means putting him first, far ahead of the fading glory and shifting hopes offered by this world. It means listening to his voice, doing his will, and letting his love transform us (John 14:23). It means laying down our self-directed lives and following his Spirit instead (7:37-39). And, best of all, it means being completely satisfied by him, the Bread of Life (6:35).

So as we celebrate Christmas, let’s rejoice that we can be made into children of God—coheirs with Christ himself. Let’s embrace everything that this little child came to give us.

“All praise to you, Jesus, for coming among us! With an open heart and a willing spirit, I want to receive you today and every day of my life!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the first reading, we hear these words, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, ‘Your God is King.’” Each of us is called to bring to others this good news of God’s love that is revealed in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who in your family, or friends and neighbors, need to hear this good news? What steps can you take to bring it to them?

2.    The responsorial psalm tells us to sing joyfully and sing praise to the Lord. If someone were to ask you the source of your joy and peace during this Christmas season, how would you answer them?

3.    The second reading tells us that “In these last days God has spoken to us through his Son.” How does Jesus “speak” to you and what difference has it made in your life?

4.    In the Gospel reading, we hear these words, “But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.” What do these words mean to you? Share the impact in your life of personally accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

5.    The meditation contains these moving and challenging words, “According to St. John, believing in Jesus and receiving him means putting him first, far ahead of the fading glory and shifting hopes offered by this world. It means listening to his voice, doing his will, and letting his love transform us (John 14:23). It means laying down our self-directed lives and following his Spirit instead (7:37-39). And, best of all, it means being completely satisfied by him, the Bread of Life (6:35).” What steps can you take to respond to these words?

6.    At the end of your meeting, beginning with the prayer at the end of the meditation, pray for one another that each of you would receive the Lord in a deeper way and surrender your life more completely to him. Continue saying the meditation prayer every day, and share its impact on your life at the next meeting.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen