Daily Reading: 16 December

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Children of God

Something to read

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

- Galatians 4:4-7.

Something to think about

A young girl galloped into the playground with great enthusiasm, pushing through the narrow gate between her and the swings, oblivious to the people coming through the gate in the other direction. ‘Apologies for my daughter’, the man behind her smiled sheepishly, hurrying to keep up. With the ties of adoption still only weeks old, the word was unfamiliar and deliberately chosen; in the months ahead it would be both practiced and prized for the power it held

The greatest gift ever lavished upon us is the right to become children of God. With adoption as God’s children comes the privilege of keeping him up at night with endless prayers, the joy of sharing our every triumph and pain, the confidence that comes from knowing God’s delight in us is complete. 

As we look towards Christmas and the incarnation of God’s one and only Son, we can also celebrate that Jesus was born to be the first among many siblings: with him we are known, loved, embraced, and showered with grace upon grace. What a gift! 

Something to do

If you can, choose a Christian Aid charity gift to send to a family member or friend this Christmas.

Something to pray

Generous God, thank you that you call me your child. Where family ties haven’t always meant positive things, give me healing and peace. Help me to cry out to you as the perfect parent, who loves me beyond measure, today and every day. Amen.

Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones