Christ-Centered Christmas -- Day 19
There's a Spanish story of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and the father set off to find him. He searched for months to no avail. Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in a Madrid newspaper. The ad read: “Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father.” On that Saturday 800 Pacos showed up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers.2
The book of Hosea ends with another plea from our pursuing Creator. “Come home. There is life and love and joy waiting there.”
Will you show up to receive the love and forgiveness your Heavenly Father has waiting for you?
THINK
How do verses 11:1-3 & 7 show us running from God?
How do verses 11:8-11 emphasize God’s pursuing love?
How is verse 14:3 the key thing we must understand if we are to stay faithful and true to our pursuing Father?
How is the message of Christmas one that shows how God will do anything to get His sinful children back?
How is the message of Christmas playing out in your life?
PRAY
Thank God for His constant pursuit of His children
Confess to God, if necessary, trying to find satisfaction, joy and fulfillment outside of a relationship with Him
Ask God to still your ceaseless searching for the above apart from Him
Ask God to let the true message of Christmas sink deep into your heart
APPLY
Has your relationship with the Lord been strained? Now is the time to get on your knees and seek reconciliation
