photo cred. Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash

What good word could I possibly give parents of prodigals today, on Christmas eve? How I wish I could promise you everything’s going to be fine with your child, or that they will be better sometime this year. If I could, I would tell you all your prayers will be answered in your lifetime—the way you want. But since I can’t, what encouraging message can I bring?

A good word is embedded in these three Advent hymns.

Angels we have heard on High

Come to Bethlehem and see, him whose birth the angels sing

come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the new-born King.

Gloria in Excelsis Deo…

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant streams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

What good word is here for you today?

photo cred. Zachary Olson on Unsplash

What good word is here for you? It’s found in a name … in a person.

It’s Jesus.

Dear mom or dad, please keep your eyes on Him.

• Behold Him.
• Adore Him.
• Treasure Him.
• He is your hope.
• He is your strength.
• He is your victory.
• He is all you need.

My good word for you is that simple. Jesus.

Let’s Pray: Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah. You are God with us in human form; the King of the angels. You came to offer redeeming grace to me and my child – to the whole world. You are the way out of bondage and emptiness. Please show them Your breath-taking love. By the power of that unimagineable, sacrificial love please do a transforming work in their lives. Be with me and with them today, tomorrow, and forever. My heart is crushed. Help me focus on you this Christmas and everyday. Thank you for your presence with me. Adoring you on bended knee. Amen.

What is a favorite Advent hymn that encourages you?

Merry Christmas friends. Take heart. The Lord is with you.