Things Lost and Found...

As we celebrate the Christmas Season this year, I want to encourage you to get a God perspective on the Season.

The stories of Luke 15 that tell of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son have always stirred my heart deeply.

I remember as a believer the first time I heard these parables my heart was stirred at the all-out search and celebrations of that which was lost and found.  Luke 15:1-24 reads…..

Story of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”  So, he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Story of the Lost Coin

Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Story of the Lost Son

 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

What powerful parables of things lost and found and the celebration of each.  As I ponder them

during this Christmas Season I am reminded of when I was lost.  I spent the first 35 years of my life lost.  I didn’t even know I was lost.  Sure, I felt hopeless at times, lonely at times, misunderstood at times, fearful at times and I made plenty of bad choices that affected my life and many of those around me.  But I had no idea that God had sent someone to this earth to draw me out of the darkness of being lost, into the light.  But He did.   He sent Jesus in the manner of a babe in a manger.  Baby Jesus our hope, the young man Jesus our example, Jesus on the cross our Savior, Jesus Risen our way to our eternal home.

So, this Christmas Season when you hear and see the Christmas Story acted out may we take courage and hope in knowing He is still the Light of The World.  Please take a minute to pray for all your family, friends, co-workers, and those people all over the world that are lost and in need of JESUS.

His,

Vickie