Read It:
Luke 23:32-43
Live It:
At Jesus’ crucifixion, he was nailed to a cross between two thieves. As the three of them were suspended between heaven and earth on those three crosses, Jesus prayed for those who had nailed him to the cross. His prayer was, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
As the day wore on, one thief railed on Jesus, taunting him in an effort to goad him into rescuing all three of them from death by crucifixion. The other thief protested declaring that they (the thieves) were guilty and deserved to be punished, while Jesus was innocent and was being crucified unjustly. Then, he addressed Jesus: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus graciously replied, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
This was the ultimate invitation to come home. As we celebrate this wonderful season, remember that the invitation is open and available to all who will respond to it. The invitation is to come home for Christmas. In John 14, Jesus said he was going away, and then he would return to receive all those who believe and are obedient to him into eternal life. That is the ultimate invitation to come home for Christmas.
Pastor Rod