Trust in God: God is the source of strength.

 Even the Israeli captives in Babylon did not see a way out of their suffering; therefore, they succumbed to hopelessness and lost strength and faith. Young people were also subject to fatigue. It seemed to them that God was not properly caring for his people. Moreover, they were in danger of succumbing to the idolatrous veneration of the stars. The latter was first in the Babylonian Empire, where astronomy was the most widespread. In such a situation, the Old Testament prophet announces the sovereign power of God. To whom can the eternal God be compared? After all, he also created the stars and rules over them. And this God also decides the fate of his people, who are the heirs of the ancient promises given to Jacob and Israel. God never gets tired. On the contrary, he gives strength to the weary and fitness to the helpless. Only those who hope in God will gain new strength, courage, and zest for life. They will be like the eagle, admired in ancient times for its strength, swift flight, and long life. We must place our hope in God if we want God’s power.

Jesus is the source of strength and our model. The Old Testament statement about God giving strength to the weary finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He calls all those tired of the burden of life and promises them strength: Come to me, all you who labor and are weary, and I will strengthen you. With this statement, Jesus also confirms his divinity: He is the source of strength. Horoscopes do not determine our fate. Even stars in sports, art, and society have their powers for a limited time. Jesus can apply his power to us on the condition that we learn from him: Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. If we adopt his silence and humility, his promise will be fulfilled for us: And you will find rest for your soul. Jesus wants to give us peace and strength in life’s difficulties. Which life situations can we accept quietly and humbly so that this year’s Christmas, Jesus will be born in us spiritually with greater peace? We thank God for the gifts with the words of the psalm: My soul, bless your God. Whoever thanks God receives even more from him.