“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

I have six children – one is about to be born. The love that can develop between parent and child is incredible. In many ways it’s a one-sided unconditional commitment to love them. As a parent you provide for them, buy them what they need, get up during the night with them, feed them, clean them, take care of them when they’re sick, share their sicknesses, etc. You love them and especially when they’re little, they don’t offer much in return for your love. But a child relies on and needs that security of being loved by his or her parents.

The truth of Christmas is that we have the perfect parent, the perfect and loving Father. He loved us so much that He sent His own Son into our world that we might be His own adopted sons and daughters forever, with the full rights of being God’s own sons. The reason the word “son” is used here is because in that culture a son received the father’s inheritance. So, whether you’re a man or woman, boy or girl, you’re God’s “son.” That means, not only does God love you as His own child, but all of His wealth – His eternal home, eternal glory, eternal joy – is yours!

I don’t know what’s going to happen in 2017. I don’t know what trials, troubles, difficulties, challenges, and hardships you’re going to face. But no matter what happens, realize this: you have the security of being God’s son whom He loves so much that He sent His Son to redeem you, rescue you, and make you His forever!

Joyful to be God’s son, just like you,
pastor