Yes, when I was thirteen, I saw the sign my Grandmother had been telling me about for years. And at last the sign made sense to me. The signpost was in the shape of a cross, and I’ve never been sorry I took that “road less traveled” and followed where the sign led me. But…

…I won’t begin to try to tell you I never took any side roads. There were plenty. Even at this time of my life I wonder off into the briars and thorns. After a few cuts and slices I hurry back to the road to continue my journey.

This “road” I’m talking about is my walk with my Heavenly Father. Jesus is always there to put His arm over my shoulder and comfort and instruct me about my misguided selfish deeds. When you get right down to it, all sins originate in selfishness. Self says “I want this” and “I deserve that”, and as I’ve said many times…self never gets enough.

You may have noticed we’re less than two weeks away from Christmas. Unless you’ve been inside a dark cave with no communication tools for the past two months you know the biggest “shopping season” of the year is in full bloom. What’s so sad is how many Americans (and people elsewhere in the world) don’t really know or acknowledge why this phenomenon even happens. If you’re a business owner, and this time of year gets you “back in the black”, you can thank Christianity and Christians.

A prophet named Isaiah wrote about the birth of Jesus approximately 700 years before He was born. He said “the Lord Himself will give you a sign“. And he also said “the virgin shall conceive and bear a child, and shall call His name Immanuel”.

If that prophecy had not come true, Isaiah would have simply been one more nut case, and I doubt anyone would even know who he was or remember him anymore. But that prophecy came true. And many, many more as well. I saw the sign Isaiah talked about when I was a very young boy. Maybe 4 or 5. My Grandmother made sure my brother and I would go to church, and each week she’d nudge me to “go give your life to Jesus”.

Like I said…when I was thirteen, I took Grandmother’s advice and made the decision to  follow Jesus. He is the sign, pointing the Way to eternal life. But He doesn’t force anyone to go. He beckons. He doesn’t belittle. And He asks. He doesn’t demand. And He loves. He doesn’t lie.

If you’re looking for a sign…an answer to the problems of your life and to the troubles of the world…stop looking and start loving. Your Creator is waiting.

Stay tuned…