20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV)
If there is any time of the year where one of the hopes of our faith is more possible, it is Christmas. The idea that a people could come together and be one as Jesus desired; “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us…”
“…so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”
So much hope and expectation encompassed in these two verses. Such a desire for unity that the world sorely needs, but cannot come together on due to differing ideologies. But at this time, we have the opportunity to come together over a babe in a manger.
So if there is anything keeping you from a brother or sister, friends or family, lean into your faith and put those differences aside. Take these next few days and lean into love. Now is the time to release grudges, to open the door so that all may be one. It is far easier than you may believe and will open the way for healing.
Jesus desire for the faithful was that we all be one. We set aside personal agendas and come together for the common good. This is why the church is referred to as the body. How can the body function properly if the limbs are at odds. No, the body must learn to function as one, in faith, humility and unity.
