Sermon Series Blog: Hope For the World Pt.5

When God Moved Into the Neighborhood

Throughout the Christmas story, one response shows up again and again: wonder.
Every person who encounters the baby Jesus is left changed.

Mary responds with humble surrender and joyful praise, treasuring the mystery in her heart.
Joseph responds with quiet obedience, trusting God’s word even when it costs him.
The Magi overflow with joy, bow in worship, and give extravagantly.
The shepherds are filled with awe and urgency—running to see Jesus and then proclaiming what they’ve witnessed to everyone they meet.
Simeon and Anna, faithful saints who had waited their whole lives, recognize Jesus immediately as God’s promised salvation and erupt in prophetic praise.

As the Christmas season closes, the question isn’t whether Jesus has come—but how we will respond to Him now.

Receiving Jesus Changes Who You Are

John writes these powerful words:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

To “receive” Jesus means more than acknowledging Him—it means welcoming, taking hold of, and trusting Him fully. To “believe” is to place your confidence in who He is.

Every human being is created by God and deeply loved by Him. But Scripture is clear: the right to be called a child of God is given to those who receive and believe in Jesus. This isn’t entitlement; it’s adoption. It’s not earned—it’s granted by God’s authority and grace.

In a world obsessed with rights and recognition, this truth stands above all others: through Christ, you are brought into God’s family with full access, belonging, and identity.

The Word Became Flesh—and Dwelt Among Us

John goes even further:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)

The word “dwelling” literally means to tabernacle—to pitch a tent. In the Old Testament, God’s presence filled the tabernacle with glory, known as the Shekinah—a visible, powerful manifestation of God dwelling with His people.

John is saying something astonishing: Jesus is the new tabernacle.
God didn’t just visit humanity—He moved into the neighborhood.

The glory that once appeared as fire, cloud, and light is now revealed in a person. Jesus doesn’t just tell us what God is like—He shows us.

From Glory to Transformation

Paul picks up this theme in 2 Corinthians 3, explaining that under the old covenant, God’s glory was veiled. But in Christ, the veil is removed.

Now, all who turn to Jesus can behold God’s glory—and be transformed by it.

The word Paul uses for “contemplate” is rooted in the idea of a mirror. As we look at Christ, we begin to reflect His character. We are changed—slowly, deeply, and continuously—into His likeness.

A mirror is useless without light. But when God’s glory shines on us, we carry that light into our families, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

Living as His Reflection in 2026

There is no physical portrait of Jesus. But the world still sees Him—through His people.

As we step into a new year, the invitation is simple and profound:
Receive. Believe. Turn. Reflect.

May 2026 be a year where we reflect Christ’s grace and truth so clearly that others encounter Him through us.

Featuring: Pastor Mark Goring