As we inch closer to the big day, we put the final details in place. Where will we go/be on Christmas day? What will we do? Do we have family to join with? Will we be hosting others? Or will we find other things to do? One person I spoke to said, "It's just a day off for me. I'm going to start a remodeling project on my bathroom." I have to admit when he said that I had several feelings overwhelm me - sadness, didn't he have a family to celebrate with? Guilt, why didn't I invite him to my house? Finally envy, he wasn't confined by tradition and expectation. He was taking the freedom of a day off to do something he had been longing to do. He went on to say, "I love doing remodel jobs and I've been waiting for time to do this one."
     The third chapter of our study book, "Christmas is not Your Birthday" is titled Scandalous Love. In it Mike speaks of the God who pursues us with love. The God who comes to us even when we have been unfaithful, even when we given our devotion to other forces.
     Do you believe in God's pursuit to love you? Will you give God the chance to catch you this Christmas. Will you boldly allow yourself to enjoy the day?
    My friend who will be remodeling the bathroom won't be celebrating like I will and yet it seems he is somehow open to the scandalous love by embracing the opportunity to experience pleasure.
    What will your Christmas day look like? And how will God's love catch up with you?