I found it!
December 18, 2025 | Phil Carr
About the author: Phil and his wife, Judy, love the ZPC community and have served the church in many areas over the past 20 years. They love traveling out west to Colorado with their Bernese Mountain Dog (Esther) to visit their kids and grandchildren. Phil is currently an elder and Judy is a deacon.
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15:7
Luke records the words of Jesus as he rebukes and condemns the pharisees who are grumbling and complaining of who Jesus is associating with. Yes, that would be the local tax collectors, sinners, and other folks just like us. This verse is the ending from the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
Have you ever lost something of great sentiment or value? If so, you know the sickening feeling that comes along with it. But then, if you are fortunate enough, you might also know the great joy that comes when you are able to recover the lost item. I can relate to this on way too many occasions. It seems I have a long record of losing my wallet, my cell phone, car keys, and even my favorite shirt! But I have also a pretty good record of finding the lost item. When I realize something is lost, I will try to back-track my steps and/or think through when the last time I know I had them. The payoff is always rewarding and the excitement and joy is always worth sharing with others! This is what Jesus is describing when any of us sinners are repentant and open ourselves to being found by him. In this Christmas season, what a blessing it is to know that Jesus pursues all his lost sheep!
Activity
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We often get ourselves lost in the hustle of the Christmas season…lost in the sense we sometimes forget the reason and meaning of Christmas. Forgive us for that, and open our hearts and minds so that we can be truly found and drawn into relationship with your son Jesus.
Amen.