"we are god's children now" (1 jn 3:2)
"See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God!" —1 John 3:1
Something happened to John that needs to happen to all of us. Like many of us, John heard he was a child of God. But by the grace of the Holy Spirit, John realized radically what it means to be a child of God. The Spirit cried out in his heart: "Abba" (Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15). It was as if John had heard the voice of God the Father saying: "You are My beloved son, in whom I am well pleased" (see Mt 3:17). After that, John walked and ran through life shocked into life by love as he kept saying: "We are God's children now" (1 Jn 3:2).
On each of the remaining nine days of the Christmas season, ask the Spirit to teach you (Jn 14:26) and cry out in your heart: "Abba." In preparation for the Great Jubilee in the year 2000, this is the year of the Holy Spirit. Begin the year by asking the Holy Spirit to impress on you the privileged glory of being a child of God. "Dearly beloved, we are God's children now" (1 Jn 3:2).
Prayer: Jesus, You became a child of man so that I can be a child of God. I accept You and live as God's child (see Jn 1:12).
Promise: "When you see the Spirit descend and rest on Someone, it is He Who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit." —Jn 1:33
Praise: The Linden family set aside their busy schedule to provide lodging, hospitality, and encouragement to Martha, a retreatant from out-of-state. Martha was so touched by their love that she began a small Christian community which then grew to a network of eight communities in all.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our book, Who Am I in Christ?)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, June 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 9, 1997