We read in the ninth chapter of Isaiah, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Can you imagine how excited the prophet must have been to receive those words? Receiving the revelation of a coming savior must have set his entire being ablaze with longing.
But it wasn’t just a year that God’s people had to wait for their Messiah, or a decade. It was a longing that they had to cling to for generations.
For generations, the Israelites built lives where rituals became ruts, making it difficult for them to realize when their longing and waiting was over because Jesus Christ had come into the world.
There are certainly some similarities in our world, where we’re waiting for Jesus to return. At Christmas, we have our presents under the tree, our family traditions, and our favorite things to eat for dinner. It’s hard sometimes to look at the Christmas season with a fresh hope.
But today could be the day He comes back. Are we watching for that star shining over Bethlehem? Are we waiting for the angel to announce the news?
Are we ready to meet Him at the manger?
Have our hearts prepared Him room?
We should certainly enjoy the things that make the holidays memorable! But we should not only celebrate the birth of our Savior, but look forward””with the fresh and hopeful expectation of Isaiah””to when He comes again. Because He is coming back, and restoring His children to the full glory of the presence of God.
And that’s news worth sharing this Christmas… and every day.
Today, please join me in praying for:
Parents who are facing pregnancy decisions this Christmas and feel isolated because of it, that the message of the Christ-child will reach their hearts in a meaningful way, and that God will be close to them and comfort them.
Those who are actively promoting or engaging in abortions, that this Christmas they will hear the story of the incredible, world-changing power of a single, frail baby””our Messiah””and that it would prick their hearts and awaken them to the value of the million unborn children at risk every year in this country because of abortion.
Thank you for praying with us this Advent season, and a very merry Christmas to you and your family!
Miss an email? See the prayers and memory verses on our website!
Week 1: http://www.care-net.org/get-involved-blog/advent-2015-1-pray-for-hope
Week 2: http://www.care-net.org/get-involved-blog/advent-2015-2-pray-for-peace
Week 3: http://www.care-net.org/get-involved-blog/advent-2015-3-pray-for-joy
Week 4: http://www.care-net.org/get-involved-blog/advent-2015-4-pray-for-love