Heralds of hope and the good news of the Gospel, bring your declaration with joyful shouts, saying: “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. Behold, he brings the blessings of redemption and his reward with him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart… Who else can hold the oceans in his hand? (pp Isa.40:9-12)
Lord Jesus, in just 25 days, “Christmas happens”—a day pregnant with all kinds of meanings, memories, and emotions—for those who do and do not know you. So here is our prayer—no matter where we are in our spiritual journey, season of life, and chapter in our story. Grant us grace over the next 3 ½ weeks to discover more of who you are, why you came the first time, and what will happen when you come again.
The prophet Isaiah’s description of you is stunning in its imagery—and everything-changing because it’s true. You came/come to us as the Sovereign Lord, with “sleeves rolled up,” to rule over history and every heartache, over every king and every crisis. You even “hold the oceans in your hand” (Isa.40:12). Nothing is impossible for you. Nothing is too big or too much for you, Jesus—not one thing.
And with those same arms you gather, feed, carry, and hold us close to your heart. You alone deserve the title Good Shepherd—not because you are nice and caring by temperament, but because you are glorious and generous by sacrifice. Christmas reminds us you are our Good Shepherd because you were first our perfect substitute—the Lamb of God who took our sin to give us … well, everything. Here’s to 3 ½ weeks of fresh marveling, re-centering, deep worship, and profound hope. So Very Amen.
