When you receive someone, you don’t just leave the door open and hope the person walks in.

When the person comes, you throw open the door and say “welcome in!” You show them to the room you’ve prepared for them, you tell them “please make yourself at home.” You welcome their presence and enjoy their conversation.

You’re happy when they’re happy; you’re sad when they’re sad. They become a part of your family and you don’t remember a time when they weren’t around.

When you receive someone, you accept them as they are and love them. You don’t only receive them into your home, but you welcome them into your heart.

That’s what receiving Jesus means. First, you have to ask Him into your heart. When you do this, you gain the right and the privilege to be called a child of God. Then, if you’re willing, He will teach you how to love Him and love others as He does.

When you accept Jesus, no matter what your earthly circumstances, you can know that you have a Father in heaven who cares about you. What an amazing gift!

Let’s receive Jesus by welcoming Him into our hearts today, and let Him change us for the better.