Grace That Runs Toward Us

One of the clearest pictures of God’s heart is found in the story of the prodigal son. It’s a story filled with failure, regret, and shame. The son takes what isn’t his, walks away, wastes it all, and ends up at rock bottom.

When he decides to return home, he expects rejection. He prepares a speech. He assumes distance. Instead, the father runs.

That detail matters. In that culture, men did not run. It was undignified. But grace is willing to look foolish. Grace moves faster than shame.

The father doesn’t wait for an explanation. He doesn’t lecture. He restores. A robe. A ring. A celebration. The son is welcomed home before he thinks he deserves it.

That is the heart of Christmas.

God is not standing on the porch with crossed arms. He is watching the road. He runs toward us while we are still far off. Jesus doesn’t just forgive. He restores. He replaces shame with identity, fear with peace, and distance with belonging.

Coming home to God is not about earning a place. It’s about receiving the one He has already prepared.