Begotten of God

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son,
God has made you also an heir.
[Gal 4:4-7]

Holidays and family. They just go together. Like Christmas trees and lights, stables and cattle. They go together.

There are family vacations, family gatherings, family traditions.

Then there are the lists. Family lists. Christmas card lists, gift lists, packing lists.

Gospel writers Matthew and Luke both recorded family lists. Jesus' family lists. Luke recorded the geneology of Jesus back to God (see Luke 3:23-37). Matthew started the lineage with Abraham moving forward to Jesus (see Matthew 1:1-17). I heard this referred to as the "begat list". "Abraham begat Isaac; Isaac begat Jacob; Jacob begat Judah," and so on.

Jesus the Christ, Son of God, through the cross, begat John, Peter, Paul, ____________ [insert your name here]. You are begotten of God through Christ. Aren't all in Christ Begotten of God? The family list doesn't stop with only the names written in the Bible. They continue to be added to The Book.

Indeed, this is good news of great joy for our families to celebrate this blessed season.

Abba Father; Thank You that in Christ I am called your child -- a member of Your redeemed family.