Christmas 2020 is here, and with it marks the chance for us to step back and evaluate a year filled with many ups and downs. Today, we are kicking off a brand new Advent series titled The Christmas Gift.
When we began the year, no one would have predicted the heartache and tribulation, many people across the globe would experience.
The Lord said, in this world, you will have trials. The birth of Jesus is the answer to our questions and problems.
In a few short weeks, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus, but as we enter the Advent season, let's take a step back and see how Jesus' birth was foretold.
In the book of Isaiah, he prophesied the coming Messiah – Jesus Christ. He says,
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” — Isaiah 7:14
Immanuel means “God With Us.” In a time when our world has been shaken on so many fronts, we rest in the hope that God Is With Us.
He has not forsaken us. When the world was originally turned upside down with sin back in the Garden of Eden, God put into motion a plan to save the world.
His redemption plan was His Son – Jesus Christ – Immanuel.
He literally sent His Son to be born into our crazy world to show us that He Is With Us. The prophet Isaiah foretold this incredible event hundreds of years before it happened.
Application
This advent season, take a few minutes to open your heart to the beauty of the true Christmas – the birth of Jesus. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you can reach out to God who cares and hears you.
God knew what you needed long before you were even a twinkle in your parent's eyes. Through the prophet Isaiah, God set the plan in motion to save us.
This week, spend a few minutes reflecting on God's blessings in your life, especially in light of the extraordinary year we have had.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for putting a plan in motion to save us. Long before we were conceived, you preparing the world for your Son who would save the world. Please give us the strength to continue each day and to live it to the fullest. Amen!
