I chose the story of the shepherds receiving the news about the birth of Jesus as it brought hope not only to them but also to all of creation. The angel’s announcement certainly got the attention of the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night. But it was something else that sent them hurrying toward a manger in Bethlehem. It was HOPE. After hearing the good news, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed. After the shepherds witnessed the birth of Jesus, they returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Their lives were changed. Similarly, we have hope of a renewed relationship with God and a hope of eternal life through Jesus’ birth.
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God promised Abraham that his descendants will have Canaan as their homeland. (Genesis 26:4-5)
As the Israelites were leaving Egypt to cross over to their Promised Land in the desert, they yearned for something different besides their daily diet. In God’s grace, He provided them with manna at dawn and quail at twilight. (Exodus 16:10-16) God always keep His promises. Besides our basic needs, He even provides us with extras. It reminds us that God’s grace and blessings are aplenty. We should work harder to extend His Kingdom. Better things are yet to come. The lily symbolises purity, hope, and life in Jesus Christ.
Our faithful God has worked miracles to many who are diagnosed medically barren. This is evident in the Bible and even in my wife, who was told that she would have difficulty conceiving but is now a mother of three. Thus, we should willingly receive the hope of life in Jesus with open hearts and thanksgiving!
PEACE, not war.
I hope that God will come one day and our eyes will see Him before we are taken along with Him.