“…rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
Growing up, my memories of church service on Christmas day were all things sparkly and bright. I remember my mom waking us up at 2 AM for service. We would get dressed in our brightest and best, and my dad would take us to the church through dark, empty roads on his motorcycle. The beautifully decorated church, fully lit-up, would stand out like a beacon in the dark night. Overflowing with people dressed in all their finery, it was a riot of colour. Silk and jewels adorned the pews. As the service progressed, my brother and I would fall asleep intermittently, but we would somehow be wide awake by the time it ended. The happy exclamations of “Merry Christmas,” followed by hugs and kisses from friends and family were a fitting finale to the service, as Christmas day dawned. Those were wonderful and happy times.
It was years later, as a parent myself, that I understood the sacrifices my parents had made, to provide us with the joys of Christmas on a single income. As I look back on those times, having grown up and having had children of my own, I can fully relate to that feeling of wanting the best for our children. We are willing to deny ourselves and our desires, so that they may experience the joys which we never had. Jesus said in Mathew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
This Christmas season, as we prepare to make Christmas special for our family, may we remember that our heavenly Father also rejoices in us. He desires the best for us, and though we may not always receive what we want, He always sustains us with what we need. As His sons and daughters, may we always take comfort in knowing that His plans for us are good, to give us a future and a hope. May we joyfully celebrate this season of hope with this assurance.
Dear Father, my identity in You as Your child still amazes me. May this truth help me understand Your goodness in my life each day. Amen.
– Jasmine David
