Sign

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122014.cfm) reminds me that God sent the ultimate sign for us on Christmas.

It is not uncommon for people to ask for a sign from God. As human beings, we want to have tangible feedback from God, that’s why we ask for signs, and God knows this. The first reading tells us:

The LORD spoke to Ahaz:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

However, Ahaz knew he should not tempt God, that He should have faith. Isaiah confirms this, and tells us the sign of God

But Ahaz answered,
"I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!"
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary men,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

We look for God’s sign or approval in different aspects of our lives. As we prepare for school or work, we want to know where God wants us to go. We want to know if we are doing the right thing and making the right decision. During times of insecurities, we want to know if we are really loved. During calamities and times of challenges, we want to know that we are protected. God knows this, so He has given the ultimate sign for us. A sign of his great, unconditional love for us. A sign of his humility. A sign of his strength.. A sign of his power. A sign of might. A sign of his protection

Jesus is the ultimate sign of God.

God sent Jesus because he loves us, even if we are sinners, even if we are unworthy of that love. Jesus came as a carpenter’s son, born in a stable – reminding us that he is humble of heart, and he loves us so much he is willing to take human form to relate to us better, to know us better, and for us to relate to him and know him better. God conquered the world – he sent Jesus and defeated sin and death because of that love for us, because he is the only one who can do that. He wants to protect us from the evil one, and he continues to do so.

Whatever sign we are looking for, we can find it in God sending Jesus for us. When we don’t know what to do, let us continue to pray and seek God’s will as a sign of our humility and faith in Him. Let us not ask for mighty signs from God that confirms what we want, but be humble and willing to seek his will and obey it, even if it is not what we would have wanted.

As we prepare for Christmas, may we continue to seek God’s will in our lives. May we continue to be humble and prepare our hearts to be ready for him – for his will, for his coming.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus for us. Thank you for loving me so much. Lord, I pray that you help me increase my faith, and as I continue to prepare for Christmas, may I always be open and receptive of you. Amen.

Blessed weekend!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-you-see-sign.html