MY ACCOUNT
Christmastime is here, and in response, the team at Global Christian Relief has developed a special Advent devotional exclusively for our readers!
During the Advent season, countless Christians around the world will spend time in quiet contemplation, preparing their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25. Read on to access our complimentary Advent prayer resource, which not only revisits the prophecy of Christ’s birth, but also reveals important lessons from biblical and modern-day persecution.
Advent Devotional: Hope & The Prophets’ Candle
During the first Sunday of Advent, many believers light a candle on their Advent wreaths symbolizing the hope of the prophets. It’s also a popular time to enjoy an Advent devotional with loved ones or fellow church members. With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to the prophet, Isaiah, and his writings.
Scholars believe that Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, and of them all, Isaiah 7:14 may be particularly memorable during the Christmas season. As a reminder, this Scripture proclaims, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel.”
Given that the book of Isaiah was written around 700 B.C., take a moment to contemplate how this incredible prophecy was uttered hundreds of years before Christ would come—and why God chose to reveal it at that time. Additionally, is it any wonder that God would choose a prophet named Isaiah (which translates to “The Lord is salvation”) to declare the Son’s forthcoming arrival?
Isaiah was an educated man and he prophesied during challenging seasons for God’s people; he warned Judah of God’s judgment during a time of many moral failures. He also predicted the collapse of Israel. And though Isaiah was tasked with giving wise counsel to kings and rulers, he ultimately suffered persecution, experiencing a martyr’s death at the hands of the wicked King Manasseh, according to Hebrew tradition.
Pause for a minute or two to consider how this prophecy of Immanuel (meaning “God with us”) must have provided a glimmer of hope to Isaiah during his suffering and persecution. Additionally, reflect on how it bolstered the spirits of the people of Israel during their incredibly difficult years of captivity and exile. Surely the promise of the coming Christ provided comfort, reassuring God’s people that they had not been forgotten and that His goodness would ultimately prevail.
Fast forward to today, and the legacy of Isaiah and his enduring prophetic words still serve as a source of tremendous hope, especially for those facing Christian persecution and hardship around the world. Indeed, the message of Immanuel continues to strengthen and sustain persecuted believers in their darkest hour.
Advent Reflections: Pulmaya’s Story
Now, as we continue our Advent devotional, let’s examine the story of our persecuted sister in Christ, Pulmaya, and how she draws inspiration from the prophecy of Immanuel. Formerly a Hindu witch doctor, Pulmaya endured significant spiritual warfare in her native homeland of Nepal as she dabbled in occult practices—something that is not uncommon in the majority-Hindu nation. During this time, she wept frequently and felt isolated from her community.
But Pulmaya experienced profound spiritual healing when her grandson invited her to church one Sunday. As she sat in the sanctuary, hearing beautiful worship music and the hope-filled message of the gospel for the very first time, she felt the peace of Christ enter her heart. It wasn’t long before Pulmaya renounced her witch doctor practices and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior! “The first day I went … I found what I’d been searching for when I heard the chorus and songs,” she shares.
Like many believers in Nepal, Pulmaya has encountered significant Christian persecution from Hindu family, community members and neighbors. “They said that nobody would want me, and I was even threatened that I will be left alone. My parents and brothers abandoned me,” she revealed, her eyes welling up with tears.
Still, she remains committed to the One who helped free her from the bondage of dark spiritual practices. After encountering the fruits of the Spirit, she could not return to her former ways. Today, Pulmaya revisits the words of Scripture by listening to her hand-held audio Bible, which brings the Scriptures to life in her native Nepali language. She is touched by the message that Immanuel is with her. “The Lord gave me the strength. He is keeping me safe. I believe in Him. I will keep my faith in the Lord until my last breath. I live for Him, not for other people,” she declares. To learn more about Pulmaya, visit the GCR blog or watch the video below.
Advent Prayer
Heavenly Father, draw us near into Your presence during the Advent season as we take time to contemplate how You foreshadowed the arrival of Jesus Christ through Your faithful servant, the prophet Isaiah. We acknowledge that, just as Your Word brought hope to Your people so long ago, it continues to be a source of hope for Christians today. May the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 remind us that we are never alone in our struggles. Quiet our hearts as we consider what we can learn from the suffering of Christ, Isaiah, and Pulmaya. Amen.
Advent Devotional: Questions for Contemplation
• How can I draw on Isaiah 7:14 for encouragement during hard times?
• What can I learn from the sufferings of Christ, Isaiah, and Pulmaya?
• What actions can I take to prepare my heart for the Advent season? How can I share the message of Immanuel (meaning “God with us”) with others?
About the author
Abigail Hart writes for Global Christian Relief, sharing the resilient stories of persecuted Christians all around the world. Read the latest Christian persecution stories on our website and learn more at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
Have you been inspired by Pulmaya’s story? You can help us get audio Bibles in the hands of persecuted Christians around the world. Make a gift today to deliver the spoken Word of God to illiterate believers and new converts in Nepal and beyond.
