God provided a preview of our Messiah through the prophet Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born. In Isaiah 7:10-14, it says, “Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz: ask for a sign from the Lord your God – from the depths of Sheol to the heights of heaven.” But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the lamb.” Isaiah said, Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel,”
Immanuel means “God with us.” What is the meaning of your name? Is there a special reason why you were given the name you were given?
God was preparing for the birth of Jesus for the right moment. We should also prepare ourselves for the way of the Lord. It shouldn’t be just around Christmas, but all year round. Let’s take a look and Matthew 13:3-9.
Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Others fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t much soil, and they sprang up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered. 7 Others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. 8 Still, others fell on good ground and produced a crop: some 100, some 60, and some 30 times what was sown. 9 Anyone who has ears should listen!”
Take note of what happens to the seed. This seed can also represent us. If we are not in God’s word, we will fall on hard, rocky soil. We will not grow in God. God has many gifts for us. We need to prepare ourselves for what he wants to give us. The Hebrew word for prepare means to turn toward, behold, or return. This season let’s invite God to till our souls and prepare to receive His gifts of love, joy, and peace. Prepare your hearts to be fixed on God’s word, hear, and see what He is doing. When we spend time in His Word, we fill our minds with His truth and praise Him with our lips. This will enable us to receive His gifts He wants to offer to us. The gift of redemption. The gift of Jesus.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. . . For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:14, 17
This season, let’s create a space that we can daily meet with God. As we focus on Jesus, we can prepare ourselves for the glad tidings of Jesus returning and give thanks for the grace and truth found in our Savior. Take the time to receive the gifts of scripture that God has waiting for you.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this glorious day. I pray this season we will prepare our hearts for all you have for us. I pray that we will hear and see all that you are doing.
In Jesus Name
Amen
