Witness the picture that Isaiah paints of the reign of the Savior to come: glorious and cozy; triumphant and feasting; safe and healing. Isaiah excites us about the birth of One who bears Hope. No mention of the precocious 13-year-old who disrupts church order. No mention of those who persecute. No mention of how lonely the journey, how great the sacrifice, how public the rejection. How can the Advent Season expect us to await the wonders of Birth without anticipating the pains of Life?

In this question lies something exciting about our Savior. Even as we know who Christ is, and what the Lamb of God comes to do, yet that purpose infinitely reveals and renews. We must hear with timeless ears: there is always a glory yet to be, beyond what we can imagine. How wonderful!—every time we think we already know what God can do, because of what God has already done, the Spirit shows up in all of Creation and awakens new enthusiasm.

Hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, and prepare for celebration!

Prayer

Prince of Peace: renew my faith in Your divine purpose for the life of every child.

Thought for the Day
Imperfect lives can welcome God’s perfect peace.