That’s My Son!

As I prepare for my family to gather tonight, Christmas Eve, my mind travels back to past Christmases.  When my children were younger and we were starting our own traditions, somehow I thought that Norman Rockwell was the standard.  My children have too many memories of me being a nervous wreck trying to finish handmade holiday outfits, gift wrapping, special holiday dishes, Christmas baking and, of course, a clean house.  Can I just say that “peace on earth” was difficult to find at our house?

Thankfully, I calmed down a bit as the years went on. I no longer tried to make the girls matching outfits.  They were older, and I was now a working mom.  But one particular Christmas stands out.  We had moved from Ohio to Georgia.  I was working, but my husband’s contract was over.  Money was tight.  I was out shopping and spotted some pretty dresses for my two daughters remaining at home. I really didn’t have the money to spend but I bought them anyways, putting them on my charge card.  When I got home, I was feeling guilty for adding to our charge account.  I was telling the Lord I was sorry for that.  I expected Him to rebuke me, but instead I had this overwhelming feeling that He understood!  He understood my love for my daughters.  After all, He has a Son!

In my mind’s eye, I saw the shepherds in the field on that first Christmas.  Angels appeared singing, “Glory to God in the highest!   And peace on earth to all men!”

And I felt Father God’s joy at the birth of His Son. He wanted to celebrate!  “That’s MY SON!”  And He couldn’t very well handout cigars. (smiles!) 

Isaiah 9:6 says,  

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Our Mighty God is also Everlasting Father. He always has a father’s heart towards us, even if we haven’t acknowledged Him, yet.    

And He still rejoices over His children.  Luke 15:7 tells us,   

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven overone sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

So, today I encourage you to turn and look at your Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus, Who came down to us (we couldn’t reach up to Him), paid for our sin with His shed Blood, so we can be God’s children.  He doesn’t want to smack you around.  He loves you. 

And when you turn to Him, there is a party in heaven. And God says, “That my son! That’s my daughter!” And He smiles.