The true light that gave 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 recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:9-11 NIV). 

Is it fair to say the last several years were barely recognizable as far as calendar years go? So much changed. Some things were not the same, for sure. 

Thirty-five days into a New Year there may be some frustration with how familiar this year is to the last. But also, you’ve already learned something new or awakened to something new. And speaking of awakening, I woke up to a new flavor of coffee this a.m. 

So, fun fact. Have you ever noticed the film that lingers on the top of your freshly brewed coffee? You know, the shimmering layer that floats between your heavy whipping crème and caffeine? Anyway, did you know that this shiny stuff is SUPPOSED to live on top of your coffee? Like, that is its home? French press, too. Espresso. All oily. And why am I so late to this info? 

Not only is the glossy top considered valuable because it contains bold bean flavor, caffeine, and fatty acids—but this qualifier is also a RECOGNIZABLE clue of the world’s best cup of coffee. And if you see this oil slick (or coffee crown ), I don’t want you to think—like I did—that it is the worst cup of coffee. Not for a second. How did I not know this important thing?  

Prayer Journal Revelation

And while filling out my prayer journal during Christmas week, I also discovered something new in these verses from John. I “poured” over these words in prayer and wrote in margins and realized that hindsight makes it easy to believe—if I’d have walked the earth when Jesus was on foot—that I would have recognized Him for who He truly is. But would I have heard about Him? Believed in Him? Received Him? Because this verse says, “The world did not recognize him.” 

The word “world” is translated in Greek as kosmos, meaning fallen, or rejecting God. In short, the world did not acknowledge who Jesus was. That He was the boldest light to burst through the blackest night. Come to us, humble. That He would call us His own, even though He was the Creator unrecognized by His created. That He arrived as a King with no crown and bypassed His heavenly throne, for us?! The world did not see Him, but we do. 

So I wish I could sit down with YOU to a cup of coffee. Right now. Especially, since I’m out of creamer and have to drink my coffee sipping and staring at the shiny film floating on the top. But we’d talk about God’s goodness and grace. Laugh together and remember we’re RECOGNIZED by Him—known and loved by Him. And then smile, because we’re drinking the world’s best cup of coffee and we get to hang out for another year in sameness and new awakenings. Also, maybe even a new cup of coffee!

Meet Beth