December 8, 2025 - The Parable of the Lost Son

The Parable of the Lost Son 

By Crystal Houston

Monday, December 8, 2025

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Key Verse: Luke 15:20

But when he was still a long way off, 

his father saw him and felt compassion for him, 

and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 

This morning, I overheard some ladies speaking of the coming Christmas season. They were discussing how important it was for them to have a family Christmas celebration in their own homes. The desire these ladies have to want their families close got me to thinking. I’ve not always had the luxury of being home for Christmas (Home is being with my mom, my husband, my kids and grandkids). Although I’ve desired this closeness of family and the joy it brings, military life and missionary life caused me to be away from family for extended periods of time. Guilt over being away often creeped in and stole my Joy.  I truly had a few blue Christmas’.  

Over the last few years, God has shown me how life changes. We grow older much too suddenly and often times we feel left behind by the very family we gave so much love and care to. As we read through the parable of the lost son, we can see that God is teaching us to persevere even in our grief and loneliness, to love our family unconditionally, and to forgive those who have hurt us the most. When that child comes to visit, love them. When that grandchild returns to the family after a challenging time, love them and hold their hand. When that mother or father begs for your forgiveness, forgive them. When that prodigal son returns, celebrate the return as the greatest moment in your life. And when that devoted child comes home, celebrate the time you have with them also. We should extend the joy of forgiveness to those who have hurt us. Not because we are the better person, but because we are not. We are all in need of the same forgiveness we give others. Love your family this Christmas. Find joy in showing God’s love to each and every person God has place in your family.  

As we celebrate this wonderful season, the joy we find in loving and forgiving our families will last for this Christmas season and on into the rest of our lives. 

Lord, Thank you for sending your son and forgiving us when we don’t desire it. Teach us to love and forgive Others, especially those we care the most for. This Christmas season help us to rebuild families with your love and forgiveness. Give us opportunities to bring your love to the lonely and left behind. Help us to remember those who can’t be with families this Christmas (Our Military, Missionaries throughout World, those that work abroad, and those Prodigals who are estranged from their families). In all things, give us peace this Christmas. In Jesus name, Amen.