Daily reflection _ we are the children of God

WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD
Today we need to be reminded of our dignity, because often we are tempted to live far below what we are called to be.  
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
During these days of Christmas we have time to reflect on its true meaning. But if we've been around for a decade or two, we know that we are never finished with reflecting on this, or with acting on it. How do we keep before ourselves, in life's difficulties, the fact that the Lord is with us in all our struggles? How do we consistently and continually see God in the suffering, the difficult, the frightened, and the needy people around us?
We hear in the first of the commandments to love. This task is endless. As we come to an end of another year we are encouraged to evaluate our successes and failures in this matter in this past year. The endlessness of the task tells us that we still need, and will always need, our heavenly Father's grace to forgive our failures and strengthen our resolve. "From His fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace" (Jn 1:16). Today's first reading confirms that we have the anointing that comes from the Holy One, and we have all knowledge.
In a commentary for today, I read that one of the finest Christmas sermons is that given by Pope Saint Leo the Great. He begins, "Christian, recognize your dignity." Saint John surely carries this idea to the next level when he says, "World, recognize your dignity." God wants to be part of it all. Genesis tells us that human beings are created in God's image and likeness, and Saint John tells us that God appears to us in our image.
Today we need to be reminded of our dignity, because often we are tempted to live far below what we are called to be. God invites us to be on a grand scale as a person, for we are His children. Christmas, put simply, teaches us that the human and the divine go well together.
It's a good fit!