Isaiah 9:8
Promise
Reflection: There is nothing more sustaining than the promise of hope. We live in and for hope. Just as our Hebrew fathers lived with the promise “For surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm to give you future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Apostle Paul confirms the promise reassuring us, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Today the promise of hope is hard to grasp and is even illusive. Our world seems to cry of hopelessness. Our personal situation may cause us to wonder “why” and cry with our Savior from our own cross, “My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?’ (Psalm 22:1)
Jesus was not forsaken, and neither are we! The prophet calls out the promise, “Therefore the Lord will give you a sign, look a young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel”. (Isaiah 7:14)
Even when it is hard to believe that “God is with us”, the birth of our savior should cause us to shout with the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14) On this day, His Son was born and the promise of hope is fulfilled.
Prayer: Our God…On this most holy night may we wonder at the hope you promise, and rest assured the promise has been kept. May that assurance be with us through the coming year and forever. Peace.
Calvin A. (Cal) Kent, Trustee