Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year 2016 | Page 44

Saturday—December 31st The Lord Came Because of a Father’s Heart Galatians 4:4-7 I remember when I became a father. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was quite the day. All in one hour I went from thinking I was never going to be a father to being one. True story. My daughter was dropped into my life in the space of an hour. We weren’t going to renew our foster care license in a couple of weeks in our attempt to adopt so truly I was never going to be a father until I was one. I still remember walking into the hospital. I still remember walking into the room. I still remember holding her in my arms. And I still remember what it was like to experience the heart of a father for the first time. I remember the fierceness, the fire, the protection that was leaping inside me. And I remember how at the same time I experienced fierceness I also experienced an otherworldly tenderness toward her that I never knew I could have. It makes me think of your Father. Your Father. How he must’ve watched with the ultimate Father’s heart as his Son was born. What pride beamed from his heart to know His Son was born so others would be too. I can only imagine his fierceness and his tenderness to make that moment happen. How he must’ve looked at us with a heart so tender that he’d send his Son in the first place. How he must’ve looked at us all with a heart so protective that he’d swaddle us in his Son’s perfect life under the law. How our Father must’ve longed and joyed at seeing his plan take shape in Jesus as he watched it happen in real tim e. I imagine that heart and when I do my heart leaps. Even as it does I know the Spirit is showing me my Father’s heart for me. That heart gives me confidence today and forever. He’s my Father. My heart knows it. Now yours does too. PRAYER: For all of time, you have had a Father’s heart toward us. At just the right time, you showed it. Now we know it. Give us hearts that no longer fear, but rest in your protective love as your children. Amen. ACTIVITY: Think of a time when you felt most loved by your father here on earth. Describe that moment. 44