Home for Christmas
Scripture Reading — Romans 8:1-17
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God… And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
—Romans 8:14-15
This is the time of year when our hearts turn toward home and loved ones. We look forward to family gatherings, and we are saddened if we can’t be home for Christmas.
For our sake, Christ actually left his home at Christmas. He left the glory of heaven to come to our sin-filled world. The Holy One came to the unholy; the Creator came to his broken, cor-rupted creation.
Sin alienated us from God. Jesus took the initiative to seek us out and bring us back. He came to bear our sin. He came to be cut off from the Father’s love because of his love for us. He came to earth to bring us to heaven. He paid our debt to provide the way home to the Father.
Through Jesus we are adopted as God’s beloved children. It is through Christ that we can call the almighty, holy God “Abba, Father.” Our equivalent word for Abba is “Daddy.” I still remember the joy of times when my children ran to my arms, crying “Daddy!” when I came home. Abba is the trusting child’s cry of joy and love.
What a privilege we have in Jesus that we can call God “Abba, Father.” May we grow as his children in an ever-deepening relationship of gratitude and love.
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to bring us home to our heavenly Father. Deepen our love, and may our lives reflect that we are children of God. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Calvin Aardsma
Calvin Aardsma has been a pastor for more than thirty years. He has served churches in Indiana, Oregon, and the Chicago area. Currently, he is a pastor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, Illinois. He also serves on the board of the Ugandan Orphanage Relief Fund. Cal and his wife, Sandy, have four children and five grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!