The familiar people we read about this time of year (Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna) were considered faithful before miraculous events unfolded. In other words, they were found righteous in a setting where Gentiles ruled Israel, a tyrant was “king” of Judea, corrupt leaders ran the Temple, good people were oppressed, and no prophetic word had been heard for over four hundred years. Their faithfulness was not because of encouraging circumstances, but because of encouraging words written years before. Words like these:

“Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD be upon us, just as we hope in You.” – Psalm 33:20-22 NKJV

This week, may our hope be in Him…