The Five Gifts of Christmas

Luke 15:16-24

The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ 
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began."

When we come Home to God, back to the place where our hearts thrive we will find these gifts from God the Father.

The Five Gifts of Christmas:

Love- God loves you and he is looking for you. He sees you when you are far away and runs to meet you.

Compassion- many people are afraid to come back to God because of their sins and failures. They think God will condemn them, but condemnation is what we experience when we are away from God. Compassion is the gift that God gives, not only does he never condemn but his heart breaks over your pain.

Affirmation- the father ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. God wants to lavish your heart with his love, he wants to affirm you and let you know that you are still accepted, wanted and loved.

Restoration- the father put a robe on his back, a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. The gift of Christ is that he will restore you to wholeness, but he doesn't just restore your heart but your whole life.

Celebration- the last verse we read said that the party began. Coming home to God is where the party begins, God celebrates your life and invites you to join the party that brings life.

Merry Christ-mas!