Christmas is approaching fast. Maybe you are burdened and broken this season, dealing with a lot of issues that weigh you down. Finances, relationships, addictions, illness and loss can be overwhelming and sap your strength, sucking your life. Where can you turn? Where can you find hope and assurance and comfort? The good news is, God promised His Son, Jesus, would come and be your comfort. He can be your comfort today.
Destruction and despair were upon the people of God. They had sinned against God and were suffering consequences of judgment and punishment. They had wandered from the Lord they loved and were being exiled to a foreign land, far away from God. In the midst of these hard times, where could they turn for help and comfort? God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah (40:1-11). He promised them comfort because at a future time, the time of correction would be over. He was coming to be with His people, to shepherd His flock and care for each person. They could trust in Him because His Word will stand forever. Comfort was promised to be theirs!
God made good on His promised comfort! At the appointed time, God sent His Son Jesus, born in a manger, born of a virgin, born in Bethlehem. In Christ, payment for sin was made, and the time of correction was over. “God stepped down” to be with His people, to reveal His glory. He is the living Word that stands forever, the good shepherd who cares for His flock, gathering them in His arms and holding them close. This promised comfort is yours today, if you are in Christ.
If you are in despair and hopeless, what will comfort you the best and most this season? Presents will come and go, people will come and go, powers of business and government will come and go; they are like grass and fading flowers. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Christ is your comfort. Put your hope and trust in Jesus, who knew no sin but became sin, to make payment for your sin, so that you might become His righteousness. If you are God’s child, His adopted son or daughter, what harm can man do to you? What weapon formed against you could prosper? He is Savior and Lord, born to you this Christmas Day. He is your comfort.