Every year we hear this
familiar scripture in the retelling of the Christmas story.  And every year I have to remind myself that
it comes from the book of Isaiah, written 700
years before Jesus’ birth.  It always
catches my attention and affirms the Truth of God’s entire story.

 

When I explain my
absolute certainty in the existence
of a loving God, His Son Jesus who gave his life on our behalf, and the Holy
Spirit who constantly works in my life, part of my answer includes this
prediction and its fulfillment.  My
personal relationship with God started in my 30’s when I studied the whole Bible
(beginning to end). I began to ‘connect the dots’ between Old and New
Testaments and saw how all the books of the Bible comprise one story of God’s
love for us and His desire to give us the best possible life.  As I learned more, I increasingly gained
confidence in its Truth and that
opened my eyes to see that God is still active in my life.

 

This Scripture from
Isaiah reminds me that God’s plan for the world is True.  It’s not just a story.  This is real.  God loved us (and still loves us) so much
that He became human for the purpose of wiping away our brokenness so we can be
in His presence forever.  Jesus is God’s
incredible gift of Love given to the world as a whole and to each one of us
individually.

 

I pray with all my heart
that you accept this gift.  God loves you
with a love beyond our capacity to describe it. 
It is True.  Perfect Love came
down from heaven and was born in a stable.