Finding your way home

There are millions of Christmas stories, and a good portion of them are modern-day accounts of God’s transforming power.

One story that stuck with me is the story of Datyous. When I first met this young man, he told me, “I want to go back to prison.” Datyous had served time, but was talking about returning to the place where he had encountered Jesus—this time as a Prison Chaplain! He wanted to go back to that dark place to share the light of transformation he had received.

Datyous’ story is a beautiful example of reconciliation. His life was transformed because he responded with humility to God’s call to find his way home. It’s a powerful illustration of the Christmas story: God’s desire to bring people who have gone their own way back to Himself. The God of the universe came as a helpless infant to open the door so that we could have a relationship with Him. We can have our sins forgiven and experience true freedom.

Romans 5:10 says, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10, NIV)

You may not feel like an “enemy of God,” especially at Christmas time, but we have all sinned. Just as light and darkness don't mix, neither do sin and God's perfection. But in His infinite love, God made a way for us. He sent His Son, Jesus, so that we can be reconciled to Him.

Datyous found his way home, and that same path is open to you. It all started in a Bethlehem stable, but it's a story that continues to change lives today.

I would love to pray with you.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the story of Datyous and for the beautiful truth of reconciliation. I confess that I have tried to live life my own way. Please forgive me for the times I’ve pushed away Your gift. Help me to find my way home to You and to accept the peace, hope, and freedom You offer. Amen.

Never forget my friend…

You are a miracle!