Advent Reflection: Day 26

Thursday,  December 23

Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–20

Each year, as the Christmas season rolls around, there are many things I know I can count on: I know my daughter will change her wish list four or five times.

I know the stores will be excessively crowded and the lines excessively long. I know the Hallmark Channel will supply more Christmas movies than anyone has time to watch. And I know that I will gain a pound or seven by eating more food than I would at any other point in the year. These truths never seem to change.

We are living in a time when it is hard to know what is true and what is reliable. Those around us and in our world are experiencing loss, heartache, and uncertainty. With so much information being thrown at us every morning when we turn on the news or open social media, it is hard to know where to put our trust.

God’s people had heard the prophecies of a coming Messiah, the one who would right all their wrongs and bring restoration and deliverance. They placed their trust in these words, but as time continued to pass without seeing these promises come to fulfillment, their hope most likely dwindled.

But then, one night, there was a star. There was an empty stable. There was a host of angels. After years of darkness, there was finally light. The prophecies that had been spoken long ago had proven true.

We face much uncertainty in our world, and we are surrounded by many false prophets whose words fail to prove trustworthy. Those of us who proclaim the name of Jesus know, however, that we can put our trust in God’s word, because it will not fail us. He will restore all that has been broken. He will set the captive free. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will be our hope, our joy, our peace. On this we can rely.

Katherine Asis
Minister of Music and Music Education
Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Shelby, NC