Finding Family

The holidays usually mean time spent with family. For some of us, our best memories are with family and we look forward to making new memories every year. However, some people have few positive experiences with their biological family. Some come from unhealthy or abusive situations. Some have lost loved ones. And the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting still others. As a result, the holidays can be filled with loneliness, regret, or anger.

The good news is that because of God’s grace, we are part of a new kind of family. Those of us who have accepted Christ are now part of his family — the church. Not only that, but we have a new family tree as well. We are part of the legacy of faithful people listed in the book of Hebrews. We are spiritual descendants of the great keepers of the faith: Abraham, Joseph, David, and many others.

If your family of origin is not healthy, or if you have lost family and feel alone, take comfort that God wants to be your perfect Father. Psalm 27:10 states, Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. We are given the assurance that God loves us and has given us spiritual brothers and sisters — a faith family with which to celebrate the season, even if it is only virtually this year.

God, thank you for giving me a faith family. Thank you for grafting me into your family tree and giving me a connection to others who have also decided to follow you.

Throughout This Day: Thank God for adopting you into an eternal family you can celebrate with this year and forever!