If a shrewd accountant is praised for using talent to win friends and influence others, how much more should an honest steward be honored for dedicating everything to God? Using material wealth and God-given talents solely for personal gain, without regard for others, is misguided. It suggests that our possessions may own us, or worse, have become our gods.

The sheep fully submitted to the shepherd, trusting in his ability and wisdom to bring him home safely and reunite him with the herd. In contrast, Adam tried to argue out of self-inflicted trouble, wrestling with the Almighty Father who created him. By doing so, Adam rejected God’s restorative power and love, leading to his deserved punishment. God's "foolishness" surpasses human wisdom. Let us surrender fully to Him, allowing His control to bring the ultimate solution to our problems.

God calls us to share His deep concern for the helpless and lost, urging us to carry the message of hope to them. The older brother in the story highlights the sinfulness of selfishness and self-centeredness. In contrast, the father reflects God's heart for the lost, showing His unwavering desire for their restoration, regardless of others' opinions.

Why is the Old Testament still relevant to us? In Isaiah 61, written around 450 BC, Jesus sat in the temple in 30 AD and declared, 'TODAY I am the fulfillment of that scripture.' Though we weren't there, we celebrate because He was—and He still is—here with us today.

The father's immense compassion for his younger son illustrates God's response to repentance. Like the father in the story, God patiently waits for sinners to realize their need for Him and return willingly. Yet, He does not demand perfection before welcoming them back. Instead, God embraces them as they are. Just as the father runs to his son, embraces him, and celebrates his return, God joyfully seeks and welcomes those who stray in their faith journey.

The true Light of the World (John 1:1-9) became a human being—Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, who is both fully God and fully human, we can truly know what God is like and enjoy a personal relationship with Him. Jesus Christ came to bring us God’s forgiveness and reveal His truth to us. God’s forgiving mercy says: “I forgive you for your wrongs. I love and accept you freely for who you are.” His truth says: “I will show you what is true about Me, about life, about yourself, and about others.” This is our reason for celebrating the birth of the Messiah. This is our reason for JWC.