Reading: Isaiah 63:7-9

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, ‘Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely’;
and he became their savior
in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Reflection

As we continue our series of devotions around “The Messages of Christmas,” today we look at comfort. When we need comfort, who should we turn to? If you answered, “God,” you get a gold Christmas star today!

In this passage from Isaiah, they are recounting the deeds that God had done for them.  They are looking back and recalling how God had gotten them through challenging times which I’m sure gave them comfort that their God would have their back again.

God is our shepherd and will comfort us, God’s sheep, even in our darkest hours. We can depend on God.

Are there times when you felt comforted by God? Do you think the characters of Christmas also felt comforted by God when all these extraordinary events were happening? Seek comfort in God.

–Chad Hershberger

Prayer   

Comfort your people, God, and be with us in our joys and sorrows. As we recount your faithfulness, let us be faithful to you.

Amen.