Hope for the Holidays: Reclaim the Joy of Jesus This ChristmasSample
Hope for Reconciliation
The story of the prodigal son is one of the most beloved in the Scriptures. God is in the business of bringing families together. Every day, parents are fighting over custody of their children. In many instances, children must be forcibly taken from abusive situations or parents addicted to drugs or alcohol. Other families are torn apart by strife, bitterness, and jealousy.
Is your family whole, or are you longing for the day when every member will be present at the family reunion? Is there a son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father, who seems to have dropped out of sight? Why not make a covenant with the Lord to pray daily over the next year for that family member to be reconciled? God is able to send His holy angels or human messengers along that person’s path with just the right words to turn their heart toward home. The Lord used an angel to bring Peter and Cornelius together, and He can do the same to bring your family together this holiday season.
Action Step: Take some time to write down the names of loved ones you would like to see at the dinner table this Christmas. Then, make a commitment to pray every day that God will restore them to your family. Be open to the possibility that God may lead you to reach out to them in forgiveness or love. Even if you don’t see them this Christmas, continue to pray for them throughout the next year, and continue to pray until the day comes when you’re together again.
About this Plan
Our world has taken a joyful event and turned it into a frenzy of materialism and exhaustion. God never planned it that way. The birth of Jesus was meant to bring love to the lonely, hope to the hurting, and peace to the weary. Reclaim the joy of Jesus this holiday season!
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