20 December
Isa 7:10-14
Lk 1:26-38
“The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign.”
Today’s first reading, which tells of the story of Ahaz and God’s invitation to ask for a sign, cuts to the heart of who God is — both a just judge and a deeply gracious Father. Even in the Old Testament, where judgment often takes centrestage, this moment reveals a God who patiently offers second chances, even when His people hesitate to believe. God’s offer to Ahaz was not just a command; it was a gift — a chance to strengthen fragile faith.
Throughout scripture, signs stand as divine fingerprints, tangible reminders of God’s presence and promises. The rainbow after the flood assured Noah of God’s faithfulness. The blood of the Passover lamb marked safety and deliverance for Israel. Jesus’ miracles, from turning water into wine to raising the dead, pointed to His divine mission, and stirred faith in even the doubting heart. These signs were not random — they were deliberate acts of care, designed to ground trust in God’s character during life’s storms.
And then, there’s Ahaz. When Yahweh invited him to ask for a sign, he hid behind piety, twisting scripture to refuse the offer. On the surface, it seemed noble — Ahaz claimed he didn’t want to “tempt God.” But beneath this façade lay a darker truth. Ahaz had already placed his trust elsewhere — in political alliances and the might of Assyria. He clung to worldly solutions, rejecting the very invitation that could have rooted him in divine assurance. His story is a sobering reminder of the danger of wielding scripture for self-justification while resisting its deeper call to surrender.
Think of a dog learning to trust its owner. A fearful dog, unsure of the world, will not respond to commands right away. But through repeated acts of care — feeding, gentle words, and consistent love — the owner builds the dog’s trust in him. Each action says, “You’re safe. You can trust me.” The dog does not need to understand everything; it simply needs to follow and accept what is offered. This is how God works too. His signs are like those small acts of care, steady invitations for us to lean on Him when fear holds us back.
Brothers and sisters, the challenge for us is clear. Divine signs are not about coercion; they are about relationship. They are God’s persistent whispers, asking us to trust Him over what we can see or control. But they also demand something from us — a willing heart, ready to relinquish our reliance on the temporary and step into faith in the eternal.
In conclusion, the story of Ahaz poses this crucial question to us: when God extends an invitation, will we answer? Or will we cling to our own plans? His signs are everywhere, calling us to trust deeper, love harder, and rest fully in a grace that never fails. Will we accept them? Or will we, like Ahaz, miss the chance to experience the depth of His faithfulness? The choice is ours.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)
Prayer: Lord, help us to surrender our need for control and to step boldly into the assurance of your guidance and love.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for your endless grace and patience, for meeting us in our weakness and offering signs of your presence and love.
OXYGEN 
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