Dallas Willard tells a touching story about a young boy who needed some assurance.

At night, unable to sleep, he went into his daddy’s room and crawled into his bed. But because it was dark he couldn’t tell if his dad was facing him or not.

“Is your face turned toward me, Father?” he asked. The dad, either still awake, or having been woken by his son, replied, “Yes, my face is turned toward you.”*

Not only did the boy want to be closer to his dad, but he wanted his dad to be facing him. It made a difference. It gave him assurance and comfort. Close.

For the past two days I’ve been talking about growing closer to God. There are definitely things we can do to make that happen. But it’s essential to remember that the only reason it’s possible is because God had made the first move. In Christ he has come close in a very personal, tangible and loving way. This is central to the message of Christmas.

Because of the love God “has lavished on us” we can “be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

In Christ, the face of your heavenly Father is turned toward you. The one who made you is for you.

You are loved, you have value, and you are his.

By Matthew Ruttan

–I’m on vacation this coming week, so “Up!” will go on pause as I take some time to relax with my family. It will resume on Monday, January 6th. Happy new year!

–Today’s “Up!” is connected to my Christmas Eve sermon called “The courage equation.” You can watch the 20-minute message on YouTube here.

–*As told in: John Ortberg, Soul Keeping: Caring for the most important part of you (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014), 24.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.