Luke 15

Scripture Focus:
“Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
— Luke 15:6 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

Luke 15 overflows with joy—the joy of being found, the joy of being welcomed home.
Jesus tells three stories: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. Each begins in loss but ends in celebration. Something precious has been recovered, someone beloved has been restored.

These parables remind us that God’s heart is not distant or indifferent. God notices when even one of us has wandered and goes searching until we are found. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine, the woman sweeps every corner, the father runs down the road.

Advent is a season for remembering that we are sought after and cherished. The child born in Bethlehem is God’s way of coming after us—not to scold or shame, but to embrace and restore. Whether we’ve wandered far or simply lost our way in the hurry of life, grace is always pursuing us.

When God finds us, heaven rejoices—and that joy is meant to ripple through our lives into the world.

Prayer

God of mercy,
Thank You for never giving up on us.
When we wander, You come searching.
When we are lost, You call us by name.
Let the joy of being found fill our hearts this day.
Help us to reflect Your grace to others—
to welcome, forgive, and rejoice
whenever love restores what was broken.
In the name of the One who came to seek and to save,
Amen.

Practice

Take a moment today to think about something—or someone—who has been “lost” in your life.
It might be a relationship, a hope, or even a part of yourself.
Offer it to God in prayer.

Then, if you feel led, reach out to someone who might need to hear they are not forgotten.
A call, a message, a word of encouragement can become a glimpse of God’s searching love.

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander