First Sunday in Advent

I wonder what Isaiah thought when he spoke these words?

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;  Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.—Isaiah 7:14

Can you imagine saying something so impossible to your friends…your family…an entire nation?  I wonder, did the prophet question his own sanity?  Could he have wondered, “Am I going crazy?”

That wasn't the end of Isaiah’s telling.  He goes on to say:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.—Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah might not have known exactly when this miracle would happen but he knew it would.  He even knew how.  Most of all he knew exactly what kind of Savior was coming.

The first candle signifies hope. A light is coming into the world. The hope of all the ends of the earth.

(Light the first candle of your wreath.  This candle should be lit each day from now until Christmas.  Maybe at supper each night is a good time.)

Isaiah called him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  He called him Immanuel which means God with us.  And that’s the best truth of all.  God stripping himself of all glory and coming as a baby.  Tying himself down in flesh and bones just like us.

Take time to share with those around you how Jesus has been mighty or wonderful or peace to you in your life…or maybe even this past week.

Pray:  God we are waiting.  Waiting to celebrate you coming to us in flesh and bones.  Help us remember that you are here with us in the waiting.  We celebrate your coming.  In Jesus name, amen.