December 1 is a day I will never forget.  It is the day our daughter arrived from Korea at the hands of a HOLT International Children’s Service volunteer.  As I took her in my arms, I was filled with fear and anticipation for what lay ahead for all of us.  It was the best Christmas ever to receive such a precious gift into our lives.  Life, that of a child, holds such promise and hope as we gaze into their eyes and try to envision the future God has planned for them.

Today as we begin our journey towards the celebration of Christ’s birth.  Let us gaze at the Christ child with that same anticipation and hope that I described upon seeing my daughter for the first time.  Consider Micah 7:7  “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”   As the prophet Micah foretold, God had a plan to send a Savior.   Micah knew that only God could provide the answer to our separation from Him due to sin.  We needed a Savior to restore our relationship with God that was broken in the garden by sin.    Micah waited with hope for the Savior.    The hope that Micah waited for is described in 1 Timothy 4:10  “that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”   Christ is the living God who came to save us and redeem us through His sacrifice on the cross.  Laying aside His heavenly position and power, He came as a baby to bring us HOPE!

What does this tell us about God?  He reached down and rescued sinners from the penalty of death and hell that our sin deserves.  We have no power to save ourselves from sin because we are dead in our sin.  God  has planned from eternity past to save His children fully from sin-the penalty, power and presence. Because He came, died on the cross and rose again,  He saved us completely.  His sacrifice allows us to be presented to the Father through faith in Him.  Savior is our attribute as we begin Advent.  Without Jesus coming as a baby on Christmas, we would not have a Savior.

Thank Him today for this wonderful gift that gives us hope and is full of expectation.  Have you thought lately of your need for a Savior?  All of us need a Savior.  Look with expectation this Advent season towards the manger and see if you don’t find that Savior you are looking for and needing.  He promises ,“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7.  Will you ask this season for the Savior to visit you?  Will you seek Him?  As promised He will be open to you if you do.

Awaiting the birth of our Savior,

Linda