You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isa. 40:9-11 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, on this first Sunday of Advent, we praise, bless and adore you, for the privilege of reflecting on your great generosity in these coming weeks. Our hope is real because your faithfulness is certain. Show us, once again, how every promise you have made finds its emphatic “Yes!” in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).
Fuel our wonder and enflame our hearts. Help us engage with the story of Jesus’ birth with childlike wonder and renewed hope. Bring familiar Scriptures alive in fresh and transforming ways.
Speaking of which, Father, I love Isaiah’s description of the Messiah as the One who will “gather us up in his arms, and carry us close to his heart.” To be tended as vulnerable lambs, to be held close to your heart, and to be gently led—what more could we possibly desire? Yet he, who is now our Good Shepherd, was first the Lamb of God, who bore our sins on the cross. There is no greater love.
But he also comes as the Sovereign Lord, with “sleeves rolled up,” to rule over all history and every heartache, and over all kings and every crisis. Nothing and no one can alter, subvert, or change the story you are telling, and the kingdom you are advancing, through Jesus. Thankfully, these aren’t mere metaphors, Father; for metaphors can’t save us, only inspire us. The gospel is true. Hallelujah, it is true!
Indeed, the hope of Advent puts all nations on notice: There is only one true King, and he is Jesus; and the coming of Jesus puts us—your people, face down in adoring love. Over the next several weeks, show us, yet again, how Jesus is a most wonderful and grace-full Savior—Immanuel, the God who is very much with us and who is totally for us. So very Amen we pray, with great anticipation, in Jesus’ matchless and merciful name.
