Amen.
As a father and grandfather, I want my children and their children
to live in God's love. If they act wrongly, I don't wish harm on them. Instead,
I want them to repent and choose God's way. I want them to be free, restored,
and healthy, not damaged for life because of any of their misdeeds. I want them
to personally know God, experience His unconditional love (Eph 3:19), and
rejoice always in His abundant mercy. I
want them to change their hearts, learn to do right, and walk humbly with God
(Mi 6:8).
God is our Father (Mt 6:9; Is 64:7). How much more does God the
Father of all he living love us, His children, than do even our human parents!
The Father shows great kindness in punishing us promptly for sins instead of
allowing sinful behavior to linger and merit a more serious punishment later (2
Mc 6:13-15). He assures His repentant children: "On that day you need not
be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against Me" (Zep
3:11). Jesus presented the father of the prodigal son as a model of God the
Father. This father did not constantly remind his returning son of his prior
rebellion and wrongs; instead, the father saw only with eyes of love and
welcome. The things of the past were forgotten; God made all things new,
especially His restored relationship with His repentant children (Is 43:18-19;
also Rv 21:5).
God wants all His family present at His Son's Christmas birthday,
including His sinful, rebellious children. Do what the Father wants (Mt 21:31).
Repent, do His will, and welcome His Son Jesus.
Christ loves each of us so much that He was willing to die on the
Cross for us. He gave us the gift of free will so that we can choose to love
Him deeply or not at all. He knows us by that love, as opposed to the way we
look at one another, that is, according to financial status, looks, degrees,
etc. These things are all superficial in the eyes of God.
I’ve heard of a young man who was sharing his excitement and
pleasure with anyone who would listen that he had recently become engaged. Naturally,
the first question asked was, “When’s the big day?” He responded with a surprised look, stating
that he had no plans of marriage as he had everything he needed in the
relationship already. His response was, I’m sorry to say too common in today’s
society. He was willing to
"engage" but not really commit to a permanent relationship by giving
his all. Sometimes it might be that way with our relationship with Christ if we
do not give our all to Him, but merely "engage" in the relationship. I’m told the young man mentioned above did
marry the woman he was engaged to and has a beautiful family.
Christ startled His followers with this
statement in the gospel: "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and
prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you." (Matthew 21:31)
That statement gives us the chance to evaluate our own relationship with
Christ. How much have we trusted our love to Him? Are we only
"engaged" or do we give our all?
Today’s prayer intentions are for those that will be alone for
Christmas this year. I pray that they
will be comforted by the companionship of Jesus and his mother.
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Sorry, but the last couple of days have just been a blur. Between work, and family, (and prayer!), I didn't feel much like writing. But I think I'm back into it now!
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