#1404. John 1:12-14 - We have seen His light (9/12/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.
From John 1:12-14, we reflect on Jesus’ incarnation - God becoming a man
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘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 recognise 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. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:9-14)
1. The true light that gives light
We’ve all seen moths drawn instinctively to a light at night. Unfortunately, for them, this is a false and a dangerous light. Their instincts that draw them to light - which they, amazingly, use for navigation - also draw them to unnatural and confusing lights.
And this is a picture of our own hearts. We too are drawn toward ‘false lights’ - substitutes for God that promise joy, meaning, or identity, but cannot give life; only Jesus is the ‘true light that gives light to everyone.’ - He gives the true light that reveals the true God and true life.
Our reading tells us that the light has shone even brighter on mankind by His coming into the world as a man - the incarnation of Jesus. The tragedy, then and now, is that many do not recognise or receive Him. But the promise remains:
‘to all who do receive Him, to all who believe in His name, He gives the right to become children of God…’
This new birth comes not from human effort, but from the gracious power of God.
2. The Word Became Flesh
At Christmas we marvel at the astonishing grace and humility of God. The eternal Word - through whom the world was made - became flesh. He entered our darkness, our weakness, our world. He took on our humanity so that we might share in His life. This is the heart of the incarnation: God with us, God for us, and, ,ultimately, God dying for us so that may have His life - His ‘light’ - within us.
3. We have seen His glory
John finishes by telling us that he and ‘we have seen His glory’ - John, and many in His day, were eyewitnesses of Jesus. They saw and received the light of Christ and the invitation remains open for us and those around us.
Response
This Christmas, I hope we can all say and celebrate again that:
‘We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’
I hope that amongst all the good things that I hope we enjoy, we can see that the greater gift is that we have become children of God by the grace and power of God.
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
This week, we begin in our Christmas Series - Holy Night.
Our message on Sunday from Luke 2:8-12, was entitled, The Shepherds Were Invited.
This account of the invitation of the shepherds has so much to teach us; particularly, how the gospel invites everyone to come to God, and that everyone needs to come to God through Jesus.
Please read Luke 2:8-12 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
Why would it have been surprising that this invitation came, firstly, to the shepherds?
Why is the coming of Christ 'good news' and 'great joy' for all people?
How can you and I ensure that we enjoy this good news and joy as we should?
What does it mean for Jesus to be the 'Saviour'?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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