The Afterglow - Living in the Reality

December 26 Devotional Meditation 

By Dr Patrick Elijah Anyomi 

Key Text:

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." — Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)

Devotional Meditation:
The carols might quiet, the lights may eventually come down, but listen closely, beloved—the REALITY of Christmas never fades! It has an afterglow that lasts forever! Paul unveils the breathtaking, ongoing purpose of the manger: God sent His Son not just for a birthday celebration, but for a family expansion! At the perfect moment in history, He arrived to redeem us and adopt us. The Greek word for "adoption" (huiothesia) means to be formally and legally placed as a full-grown son with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance of the family. The cradle in Bethlehem was the first step to signing your adoption papers!

This is the glorious afterglow of Christmas: you are no longer a distant stranger or a servant under law. You are a cherished child of God! The miracle of Christmas continues every single day in the reality of your identity. The same "set time" that brought Jesus to earth has brought you into His family. You didn't just get a gift on December 25th; you got a new last name, a permanent place at the table, and an eternal inheritance! The celebration isn't over; it's just changed locations—from the manger to your heart, from a stable to the family room of your Father's house!

So live today in the brilliant afterglow! Walk with the confidence of a son or daughter. Make decisions from the security of your inheritance. Let your joy flow from the unshakable truth that because the Son was given, you are now a child of God. Christmas is the season that launched our eternal family reunion!

Prayer of Celebratory Belonging:

Abba, Father! Our hearts overflow with gratitude for the family You brought us into!

· We thank You for Your perfect timing—for sending Your Son at just the right moment to redeem and adopt us.

· We celebrate with joy our adoption to sonship! We receive our full identity as Your beloved children, with all the rights and privileges of being in Your family.

· Help us to live every day in the glorious afterglow of Christmas, carrying the certainty of our belonging into every moment and relationship.

· May our lives radiate the confident joy of children who know they are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully home in You.

Jesus, Our Redeemer and Brother! Thank You for making a way for us to call Your Father, our Father. Let the reality of our adoption be the source of our unshakable joy and peace, today and always. In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen! 

Declaration of Sonship & Daughterhood:

"I am a legally adopted child of God! The afterglow of Christmas is my everyday reality. I live from my inheritance, walk in my authority, and rest in my belonging. I am fully loved, fully accepted, and forever home in my Father's house!"