Listen

Strengthen the weak hands, and support the unsteady knees. Say to those who are panicking: “Be strong! Don’t fear! Here’s your God, coming with vengeance; with divine retribution God will come to save you.”

Isaiah 35:3-4

Think

“Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you?” These words so sweetly sung by a young girl in one film interpretation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas demonstrate something we all realize at one point or another. The festivities of celebrating the birth of Jesus can overwhelm the supposed joy we claim to feel. The message of the singer is as important as that of the song.

I’ve often wondered about the title of the movie. While that name describes the main conflict of the story, the version told in the year 2000 highlights something more beautiful: an amazing child’s faithfulness to transforming a frantic reality into true Christmas joy.

That’s the promise Isaiah delivers us from God. At the birth of the Savior, we will be strengthened in hand and heart, body and spirit, by the One who is faithful to us. How incredible that one so young might offer so much joy anew.

Daniel Potter

Pray

Amid the rush and hurry of the Christmas season, God, remind me of the message the Christ child will bring: that you are faithful in restoring your people. Challenge me to emphasize that truth this year while longing to receive that gift. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Go

Jesus is coming.

Our Savior is nigh.

Yearn for that gift,

and welcome its light.

Amen.