Click here to read the daily readings from the USCCB website.

"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

"He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God."

I need to spend more time in prayer with these few verses. Wow. 

Why? Why would God come to a people who would not accept Him? On this side of history, we know that "would not accept Him" is more than just avoiding talking about politics and religion at the dinner table. We know that it's more than social ostracization. It's the crucifixion. Why would God knowingly undertake the cross? 

Out of love. 

Don't let this be a trite phrase. "God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotton Son." Those are literally the words from God's lips. It's not a cute sign at a football game. It's not a bible verse basic girls get tattooed on their wrist.

It's the reality that saves us from sin, that saves us from hell, that will unite us body and soul to the One who created us and loves us more than anything we can imagine. 

If we truly know this reality, then we would live like it. When I look at my own life, I can see that I only partially believe it because I only partially live it. Belief and change walk hand in hand.

I challenge you today to pray with this Gospel reading. As the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart and show you in what places you've surrendered to Him and where you need to exercise deeper trust and surrender.