Scripture
The young women will dance for joy and the men- young and old- will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.
Observation
The Lord will rescue Israel from its captivity and call the people home. He will bring them back in safety, redeeming them from their enemies who were far too strong for them.
This will be a time of great joy and even abundance as God pours out gifts on His people.
Application
Hope is the ability to imagine a future better than the present. Hope sustains people in the midst of terrible suffering and strengthens them to keep going.
With God, there is always hope because there is always a future that is better than the present.
Christmas is a season for seeing that God has dealt with sin decisively once and for all.
We lose track of that reality sometimes when circumstances pile in on us.
The truth of Christmas remains- “Emmanuel” God is with us.
Prayer
Father I pray for all who are suffering this day- for people under persecution for their faith, those who are ill, those who are mourning the death of loved ones, those enduring abuse in their home. Father give them hope to envisage a better future and to step out in faith with you. Amen.
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