Advent: A Weekly DevotionalSample

Hope

"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

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah with these words: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God with us.” In John 1:14, the original words literally mean “God pitched His tent among us.” The promise of Isaiah seemed almost impossible—the God of the universe would come to earth and move into their village, their neighborhood! Then, on an ordinary night in an ordinary stable, an extraordinary baby was born. Jesus was God clothed in flesh, and in His humanness, He brought us unimaginable hope.

As you remember the incredible story of Jesus’ birth, take time to ponder how miraculous it is that the God of the universe took on human form to fill your heart with hope. As you look forward to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, take time to pause in awe and wonder as you see examples of God’s faithfulness and quietly praise Him. He is with us. And as you remember the hope He brought and how it has changed your life, shout for joy to all of the heavens. He is with us!

• Is there something you have been waiting for? What is it and how might it change your life?

• Whatever you are waiting for, trust God with it. God has not forgotten you or what you are waiting for. His timing will be perfect, even if you cannot see it yet. Place your hope in Him, and He will meet you.