One of the questions that comes out of the Christmas narrative of the gospels concerns the reception of people to Jesus. How is it that the Creator of the world, the light and life of the world, could enter into our world and not be recognized or welcomed by His own people? Lest we become too confident in ourselves, we need to realize that the same things that kept them from seeing and receiving Jesus are many of the same things that keep our hearts from welcoming Jesus today.

As we meditate on the coming of Christ this Advent season, we need to take time to examine our own hearts and our receptivity to King Jesus.