Romance isn’t the highest form of love. Christ’s full giving of himself to redeem those who were dead in their sins and trespasses, receiving nothing in return, is the highest form of love. Every form of love, even romantic love, is to find its source in that truth.
When we are confronted with needs around us, Christmas frees us from asking, “What will this cost me?” so that we can begin to ask, “How will this serve someone else?”
So, what do you say in the midst of this aching world when your children are reeling (and so are you)? You proclaim the hope and glory of God. You tell yourself and your family the truth.
If we over-fondly remember pre-pandemic “normal” as some kind of Eden we’ve been kicked out of, we risk sounding like the Israelites yearning for slavery in Egypt as they faced the privations of the desert.
This year, we polled our staff, Steering Committee, and a few friends of Rooted to offer you our most robust list yet, the 2020 Christmas gift guide.
We must pray to stop seeing boys and girls as “other people’s kids,” and start extending our love and care to them as if they are “ours,” and as valuable as our own.
Each devotional centers around Messianic prophecies – promises – from the Old Testament, and the wonder that each one came to be fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.
Here’s to the youth ministers who faithfully teach the Word, plan events, spend time with teenagers, and point them to the gospel week by week!
Read and enjoy, knowing that your love for your children is seen, felt, and returned. Happy Thanksgiving!
