Adoption into God's Family

"When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" Galatians 4:4-6 NASB

The giving of gifts at Christmas remains a dominant tradition. It is the norm for people young and old, rich and poor, in nations throughout the world. One recent poll revealed that the average shopper in America spends an average of $830 on Christmas gifts. But thirty percent plan to spend more than $1,000.

It often is assumed that the first Christmas gifts were the gold, frankincense, and myrrh the Magi gave to Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Yet, from another perspective, the fact is Jesus Himself was the first gift. He was God's gift to men and women everywhere.

Paul wrote that God sent Jesus "so that He might redeem those who were under the Law." He was talking about each one of us. We are lost in our sins, and separated from God. By ourselves, we could not be restored to a relationship with Him.

But God wanted us to be freed from sin and to live in harmony with Him. So He sent Jesus "that we might receive the adoption as sons." This season remember that God sent Jesus because He loves you, and wants a personal relationship with you. He wants you to be part of His family, to think of Him as your Father! It is His gift, and it is available to each of us.

What is your attitude toward God? Do you think of Him as a distant deity? Or do you think of Him as your Father! Celebrate His gift to you: You have been adopted into His family through Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all.

Today's Inspiring Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You that I could be adopted into Your family. Thank you for being my Father. In His name. Amen.