“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who HOPE in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:30-31
For someone who stumbles regularly, I smile when God reminds me even the strongest get worn out, stumble, and fall. I’m reminded when I put my HOPE in Him, my strength is renewed, and I can soar like an eagle.
I don’t know about you, but life has thrown some tough stuff lately. Many of us have recently experienced heartaches and disappointments. I confess, this year, I have felt particularly overwhelmed, disappointed, and even lonely. As a social worker, I know these are normal feelings for someone grieving, and everyone will feel grief at some point.
A pregnant girl from Judea likely experienced feelings of grief as she rode into Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Mary wearily arrived in Joseph’s hometown needing rest, but no one in the family was willing to make room for the couple. Mary must have already been showing signs of being in labor, can you imagine how overwhelming and lonely it was for Joseph and Mary? They may have grieved the married life they expected when they became betrothed. It should have been a time of celebration. Instead, Mary would be giving birth alone with Joseph, a man not yet her husband.
The news about the out-of-wedlock birth might have been a reason for the family to run them out of town. However, God had other plans. The Lord orchestrated a birth announcement like no other, and the town would soon be buzzing about what amazing news the shepherds could not stop talking about. The Good news that the Savior had been born was announced to them by a heavenly host of angels.
Mary and Joseph knew, as they held baby Jesus, that HOPE had been born to save the world, and they were holding Him. I can only imagine how overwhelming and joyful the feeling must have been. Their hearts must have been soaring with eagles to know they were holding “God is with us” in their arms. I know my heart bursts with feelings of joy as I hold my new grandbaby. The Lord reminded me again this year He is with me, and He renews my strength. He is my Savior, and I put my HOPE in Him. Do you know Jesus wants to be your Savior as well, and you can put your HOPE in Him?
Jenny Smiley-Nava
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