A Child Changes Everything

UntoUsAChildIsBorn2
Fifteen years ago on Christmas Eve, the birth of my oldest son changed my life. All that God’s Word says about God as Father and me as His child became more real to me that day. Becoming a parent amplified my understanding of how God the Father feels about me as His child.

“But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Three years ago on December 15th, our youngest son became an official member of our family after joining it about a year before then. All that God’s Word says about my adoption into God’s family became more real to me that day. Adopting a child amplified my understanding of what being adopted into the family of God means to me.

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by brining us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:5)

Thousands of years ago, the birth of the Christ child changed lives, changed my life, for all of eternity. All that God’s Word says about salvation and redemption becomes more real to me every time I celebrate His birth. Christmas amplifies my understanding of what Christ made flesh means for my life.

“But when the right time came, God sent His son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so He could adopt us as His very own children. And because you Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father, now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, everything He has belongs to you.” (Galatians 4:4-7)

The Christ child, born to die, purchased freedom from sin. He created access to my Heavenly Father for me, for you, to become a part of God’s family, to become His child. Knowing Jesus amplifies every aspect of my life because “everything He has belongs to [me].” Everything What does God’s “everything” include?

“For the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

That sure is a lot of everything. And we must remember that living in God’s everything means giving our everything as Jesus did.

“Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are His dear children.” (Galatians 5:1)

What does our “everything” include? Freedom. Love. Living in the Spirit’s power. Fruit. Unity. (Galatians 5) Everything sure does contain a lot, certainly more than I deserve, but all that is mine because of one child.

Yes, a child truly does change everything.

4 Responses to A Child Changes Everything
  1. Jason Stasyszen
    December 26, 2013 | 3:00 pm

    I know I’m not a mom, but hopefully I can comment. My wife and I have a son God gave us naturally and 3 adopted so I definitely feel what your saying, Kari. And the beautiful exchange God offers us? Incredible! My everything for His everything–how could I hesitate? Yet I do, but His love and Holy Spirit continually draw me to Him. Thanks so much, Kari.

  2. Kari Scare
    December 29, 2013 | 3:24 pm

    Of course you can comment! Read a verse this morning that fits well here: “For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” (Romans 5:5) He loves us so much that He gives us the ability to love back. Amazing! And nothing has helped me better understand His love than being a parent naturally and through adoption.

  3. Chris Peek
    January 14, 2014 | 3:56 pm

    Kari,
    Great post. I’m beginning to sense how a baby will change everything, including my understanding of God’s love for us as His children. When I see my son for the first time, I believe my heart will melt. I already desire for him to know and love God and to fulfill his God-given purpose, much like God desires for us.

    • Kari Scare
      January 22, 2014 | 8:39 am

      Take those feelings and multiply them by a million, and you’ll be closer. I’m so excited for what I know is coming for you. Enjoy it, my friend.