Today's Passage:  Hosea 12-14

Hosea concludes this story of unfaithfulness and redemption with the call to return to God in chapter 14.  The people have trusted in the things of the world...things they have made with their own hands, or relationships, or other kingdoms...but now, God is inviting them to repent of their sin and return to Him.  If they repent, He will heal them of their sin and "love them freely."  What an amazing promise to a wayward nation!

As we celebrate Christmas today, we celebrate the promise to heal us from our sin and love us freely.  The baby in the manger would one day be the savior on the cross...the invitation to the free, unconditional love that the Father has for us.  Even though we have trusted in the things of this world, we can repent from that sin and trust in Him...and He welcomes us with open, outstretched arms. 

What a gift!  Today, let us celebrate the gift that is Christ Jesus our Lord!