Abba,

Last week I enjoyed joining our son for “gotcha day” 

for his sweet new puppy. 

This day culminated years of longing 

for a furry friend of his own, 

of saving money for that friend, 

of planning the right time, 

of choosing first the parents 

and then a particular puppy. 

For months he planned and prepared 

to nurture and provide for her, 

to make her a home. 

And then the day came. 

As he held his cuddly puppy, 

his face beamed like a proud pawpaw.

This picture of adoption 

gives us a small glimpse

into your much much bigger plan for adopting us 

as your sons and daughters. 

Long ago, before the beginning of the world, 

knowing your creatures would be separated from you 

by our sin, 

you made a plan. 

That plan involved a much greater price and preparation 

than our son paid or made—

it cost you the life of your Son, our Savior, Jesus. 

Why would you do such a thing? 

Because it pleased you. 

Because you wanted to make us right with you 

so we could live under your love and protection

in our forever home, 

today and forever. 

May we never forget the wonder 

of our “gotcha day”!

In Jesus’ sacrificing name. Amen.

Read Ephesians 1:3-10.