Word for the day by Christian education forum

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 The sign of Emmanuel: Trusting in God’s Promises

Bible Reading:   Isaiah 7:10-17

Key Verse “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”  Is 7:14


DEVOTION

Of all the prophesies in the Old Testament regarding Jesus’s birth, none is as specific as the one given through the prophet Isaiah around 700 years before it came to pass. Looking at the background of the story, it was given to King Ahaz of Judah during a time of great crisis. While in conflict with the neighboring kingdoms, God graciously offers him protection from his enemies.  He refuses to trust in God’s deliverence and therefore God gives him this great sign of the coming Messiah.
Signs are an integral part of our everyday life. Road signs takes us to our destination, weather signs tells us the upcoming season, and there are even audio signs which informs or warns us. They always points us to a certain direction and we have the choice to obey or not. Similarly in the verse this great sign is given to the King, a sign pointing to the birth of the Redeemer. This promise was given during a time of turmoil to assure him of God’s presence and His faithfulness. Eventhough it was a humanly impossible promise, it was eventually fulfilled by the birth of Christ through a virgin just as written. 
In this Advent season, let us remind ourselves of this sign Immanuel – God with us, where God made the impossible possible. Let us learn to recognize the signs  and to put our complete trust in His ways. God talks to us through various ways and He is always waiting for us to respond with obedience. It has been over 2700 years after the promise of Immanuel was given, and God is still with us. Let us celebrate this Christmas with joy, trusting in His promises and being grateful for His faithfulness. 

  PRAYER

Lord, we thank you for humbling yourself by coming down to earth to live among us. Help us to remember that you are always with us and listening to our prayers. Even when things around us look impossible, help us to trust  your Sovereignty over everything. Give us a believing heart and a firm confidence in your unfailing love. Amen


Thought of the day

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday routine, let us not forget to pay attention to the still small voice.


Susan Cherian
North Carolina Mar Thoma Church

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