He would send prophets to reason with his children and persuade them to come back home and live under his roof--that is, under his authority and care. This would meet with only nominal success. In the end, humankind’s only hope would be in the form of God’s only Son. He alone would be able to restore and redeem what sin had lost and bring healing to God’s broken family.

In Christ the new Adam, God was in effect starting his creation over again, i.e., a New Creation.

Step one, Build a house: "the household of God, is the church of the living God" (1 Timothy 3:15). Also Jesus said, "I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18).

Step two, Start a family: You must "be born from above…of water and the Holy Spirit" (John 3:3,5), and in baptism, "receive a Spirit of adoption" (Romans 8:14-15).

Step three, Grow the family: "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…" (Matthew 28:19).

Finally, Step four, Live in paradise with God forever: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places…a place prepared for you" (John 14:2).

On this feast of the Holy Family, know that there is a place at the table set for you and that the child in the manger is the only One who can assure that you get there safe and sound!