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“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 (ESV)

Perhaps you remember these lyrics: ” It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle bell’ing and everyone telling you, Be of good cheer! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

What a year we’ve had!  I can’t even put into words all that 2020 has unveiled.  The rough edges of expectations left behind in the days and months we’ve lived can land us without good cheer.  All the things we’ve missed out on, the restrictions we’ve endured and the unknown certainties of what 2021 will birth can definitely steal our joy.

I am reminded today that the celebration of our Lord’s birth – is really all that matters in our crazy world. A world that had been watching, waiting and longing for the Messiah to come.  Desiring hope, deliverance, and rescuing.  Sounds a lot like us doesn’t it?

After 400 years of silence, God delivered on His promise and sent His Son to us.  To Mary it was an unexpected joy filled with uncertainty yet sealed with obedience.  To Joseph it was an unwanted truth marked by obedience.  And to us it is the fulfillment of God’s love propelling us toward obedience.

It is the most wonderful time of the year if we are following God’s lead, celebrating Jesus’ birth, sharing His love with others and yes, being of good cheer even in a world getting darker and darker.  Now more than ever, we need to showcase the glorious hope living within us.  God is the Difference Maker in whether we cave in the face of struggles and challenges or we choose to be the sparkle – His light- rising above the disappointments to settle in on the joy only found in Him.

While 2020 has been unusual, we can confidently count on God to continue to fulfill His promises.  Nothing happening in our world is a surprise to Him.  Nothing which has occurred in our lives is a shock to Him.  Nothing tomorrow or in the distant future will catch Him off guard.  God, who perfectly orchestrated the precise time for His Son to enter this world, remains in control.  Immanuel, God with us, is the sweetest reassurance we need.  A virgin birth one Holy night is proof nothing is too hard for our God.

“Father, it is the most wonderful time of the year as we celebrate Jesus’ arrival and the glory of His resurrection which births everlasting joy and hope within those who choose to believe.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life