“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a
sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name
Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
There have been times in my life when I have wanted specific
signs from God. Sometimes I have wanted
signs concerning my health, such as what doctors to see, what treatments to
take, or what medicines or supplements to try.
Other times I have wanted signs concerning financial issues,
relationships, or commitments. Life
would be so much easier if God would just send a note, phone call, or
text.
The Biblical Christmas story is full of signs.
The Jews were given Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel to
come. Mary was given a message from
Gabriel telling her the child within her was God’s Son. Joseph was given an
angelic dream allaying his fears about taking Mary as his wife. The shepherds were given a sky full of
heavenly angels proclaiming Jesus’ birth and directing them to go and worship
Him. The wise men were given a star in
the east, guiding them to the place where Jesus was.
Those signs can speak to us today. Like Mary, we can be assured that God knows
what He’s doing in our lives, even when circumstances seem otherwise. Like
Joseph, we can give our fears to the Lord, remembering He is in control and
will be with us through anything we may face. Like the shepherds, we can choose
to rejoice and worship the King under any conditions. Like the magi, we can follow the guidance of God’s
Word for living in a world that in many ways is ungodly and full of suffering.
We may be looking for a sign related to something
very specific this Christmas season, or we may just want a sign that God is
still with us in our joys and sorrows. Whatever
we’re looking for, let’s not ignore the sign sent long ago – Immanuel, God with
us, Jesus in us. He knows our
needs. In His perfect timing and by His
chosen methods, He will direct our paths.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes I am overwhelmed
with decisions I face in life. I need
Your divine guidance, and Your Word promises You will give it. Thank you for the precious gift of Jesus,
because with His birth and subsequent death and resurrection, I have the Your
Spirit living in me. Show me the way I
should go as I continue to trust, worship and seek You. Amen.
