¹⁰He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. ¹¹He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. ¹²But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. ¹³They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. ¹⁴So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. ¹⁵John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” ¹⁶From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. ¹⁷For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

John 1:10-18

He came to his own but they didn’t recognize him. Have you ever gone somewhere, to your own people, and not been recognized? Has anyone ever done a double take when you walked in a room, wondering if you are who they think you are?

As I ponder this scripture today, I ask myself, “when has he come to me and I did not recognize him?” It seems to me, this whole year has been full of opportunity. Opportunity to miss his coming. Not in a literal sense, but figuratively. Are you asking: Is this really God? How am I supposed to see him in this?

The other day, one of my siblings posted a sunrise/sunset picture. It was magnificent. Then another sibling posted one from her corner of the world. (I have four sisters, a brother and my mom in this group.) Someone mentioned that it seems like the sunrises and sunsets this year have been more colorful, more noticeable, more magnificent. I wonder if they are actually more dynamic or are we just seeing it with new eyes of appreciation? Our lives have been interrupted, slowed down, so we take time to see the sunset. (I don’t see sunrises. I rely on pictures from my friends who are early birds.)

Today as you navigate your responsibilities, I challenge you to ask the Lord two questions: How have you shown up and I missed it because I expected something different? AND This passage says, “out of your abundance you bless me with one gracious blessing after another.” How have you blessed me with your unfailing love and faithfulness?