Scripture: Isaiah

An indescribable destiny awaits every person who is redeemed and ransomed, even those who are weak, infirm, anxious, disabled, sorrowful, or despairing.  It is God who extends the “high way” to this place, through the greatest imaginable humility and cost to Himself.  We rightly celebrate this astounding initiative in the birth of His Son, Jesus.

Long ago, God promised his people the king they’d always needed. That king came once and accomplished our salvation; now we who belong to King Jesus long for his return and the restoration of all things.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

“A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes — and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger

When you are wronged, you exact payback; when you wrong others, you expect payback; but when you wrong God, you find, when in brokenness you return, that God’s ways are not your ways.

The coming of Jesus marked a decisive reversal in the dark drama of human history.

“To hope in God is counter-cultural.”

Our exploration of Advent themes in Isaiah 40:1-11 concludes with a heralding of good news: “Here is your God!” The One who comes is both mighty Warrior and gentle Shepherd, and His arrival stirs our hearts to behold Him, receive Him, praise and herald Him. In this season and year-round, there is no better news!

While life on earth is fragile and short, the truth of Jesus is constant, permanent, and fulfilling. Happy are those who find their comfort and meaning in Him.