Friday, December 22
Isaiah 43:1-24 and Revelation 9:13-10:11
Last year during Advent, my wife and I were praying for a positive sign on a stick. We knew what to look for as we had taken many pregnancy tests over the past few years. We were convinced this time would be different. We were disappointed when we did not see the result for which we had prayed. We did not give up hope, but our vigor began to slow. Fear began to set in, and my faith naturally became challenged.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine (Isaiah 43:1b).
I am excited to announce that we are expecting a child by Christmas. It was difficult waiting and not knowing what to expect. It was a quiet whisper that allowed us to endure. This was another gift from God. I often wonder what it would have been like to see Jesus and the miracles he performed. How ordinary life must have felt for the people before they met Him. And I also wonder how people experienced miracles and did not recognize Jesus for all that He is. To those who did, it was a gift.
The gift of faith allows me to be resilient and trust God, no matter the situation or outcome. It enables me to be motivated by the miracles I did not see with my eyes but know were real, and faith does so much more for me than that. The Bible describes many gifts, none being greater than the gift of faith. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-10).
During this special season of Advent, let us especially be mindful to share the Good News through our words and our works. As we are so close to Christmas Day, may we reflect on the gift and birth of Jesus and the glory of God. He is our Lord and Savior, and there is no other (Isaiah 43:11). I do not wonder what it would be like to see miracles from Jesus because I now recognize that I am living one every single day.
Dr. JEFF SMITH
Health Professions, CUAA
About this series
“God With Us: the uncommon advent of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God’s Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.