Our Problems, God's Promises (Isaiah 7:1–16)

C. S. Lewis once wrote, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Do you share his optimism? Do you believe, as a Christian, that your future is immeasurably greater than even your most precious experiences so far? I hope you do because this is one of the privileges that Christ offers his children: beauty and glory ahead.

But western Christians today can struggle with this sanctified anticipation because life is pretty good. We have full bellies, warm backs, and dry beds. Some of us may think, “If Jesus wanted to come back today, that would be fine. But if he decided to wait, that’s okay too.” Many have lost the urgency of looking ahead for things promised.

The Christmas season provides an opportunity to excise our anticipatory muscles as we imagine waiting for the first coming of Christ. And, while we do that, we also get to stoke the flames of our expectation for his second coming, that for which we still wait today.