Advent is a season of deep reflection and hopeful anticipation, where we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Central to Advent is faith—the unwavering trust in God's plan, even when we cannot fully see the outcome. This theme is powerfully woven throughout the Psalms and the nativity story in Luke, with Bethlehem serving as the place where faith and God's promises come to life.

In Psalms 10–19, we encounter the psalmists' raw emotions and struggles, yet their faith remains steadfast. Psalm 10 begins with a cry to God:

Why, O Lord, do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” Psalm 10:1 (NLT)

Even in the darkest moments, however, the psalmists don't lose their faith in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. Psalm 18 reflects this trust, declaring,

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. Psalm 18:2 (NLT)

This kind of faith is not about the absence of trouble but about a deep trust in God's faithfulness to act in His perfect timing.

Luke 2 brings this faith to life in the story of the birth of Jesus. The shepherds, upon hearing the angel’s announcement, immediately act in faith, responding:

Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Luke 2:15 (NLT)

Their journey to Bethlehem exemplifies faith in action—acting on the belief that God was fulfilling His promise of a Saviour.

Bethlehem, a small and humble town, becomes the symbol of God's extraordinary plan. Despite its insignificance in the eyes of the world, it is where the Saviour enters the world, reminding us that faith often thrives in unexpected places.

During Advent, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when it leads us to places we least expect. Like the shepherds, we are invited to act on our faith and trust that God is at work, fulfilling His promises in surprising and beautiful ways.