Title: The Joy of Anticipation - Waiting for the Savior
Dear Beloved,
As we approach the celebration of our Savior's birth, let us reflect on the joy of anticipation. Today, we find ourselves two days away from Christmas, and just as the Israelites eagerly awaited their Messiah, we too await the celebration of His birth and His promised return.
Consider the words of the Prophet Isaiah, who foretold the coming of Christ:
"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).
Centuries later, this prophecy was fulfilled, and Christ was born in Bethlehem. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the significance of this event in Galatians 4:4-5:
"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
As we wait for Christmas Day, let us remember that our joy is not merely in the celebration of His birth but in the hope and promise that comes with it. Through Christ, we are redeemed and given the gift of eternal life.
Just as the Israelites longed for their Messiah, we too long for His return. In these final days of Advent, let us reflect on the words of the Apostle John:
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
As we wait for the return of our Lord, let us take comfort in the promise of His presence with us always, as He said in Matthew 28:20:
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
May the joy of this season fill your hearts as we anticipate the celebration of our Savior's birth and His promised return.
In His Name,
Amen.
Reference(s):
Isaiah 7:14
Galatians 4:4-5
1 John 3:2
Matthew 28:20
