Meditations for the Second Sunday in Advent
Sun Dec 10 |
am: 85, 148,149,150 pm: 114, 115 |
Isa 40:1-11 | 2 Pet 3:8-15a | Mark 1:1-8 |
Second Sunday of Advent: As we mark the 2nd Sunday of Advent we are reminded in the lighting of the Advent wreath that the candle being lit symbolizes Faith as is known as the Faith Candle or the “Bethlehem Candle” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey in faith to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph traveled far to Bethlehem in faith on the word of an angel. Bethlehem was the anointed place foretold by the prophets where the Savior was to be born. Despite being unwelcome and no room, this was the place in God’s infinite wisdom as it was the City of David.
MEDITATION ON TODAYS LESSONS: In this chapter of Isaiah, the people of Judah are in captivity in Babylon. They had clearly failed to be God’s people, and it was a rare view that a Jew would have the thought that there was a future to hope in! In this section of Isaiah, the prophet offers a view of God who seeks to comfort the people after a long period of exile in Babylon. Despite their isolation and penance, he tells of a coming comfort that the people are to prepare to receive God’s mercy. There is a shift from isolation and agony to being fed and nurtured. These ancient words to the chosen people are not simply for a theological time capsule. The relevance and timeliness are just as pressing upon us today when one considers that in our times it is not difficult to find people who live in discomfort, who feel exiled from family and friends, and struggle to find grace amidst turmoil. When we consider these words for Advent 2017 we should be struck again as to how God’s words ring true in every age, place, and life because levels of exile occur in every age, place, and life. We, like the house of Israel, all long to hear words of comfort. We want to believe and know that one more powerful than us is coming to the person for others, the person for us. We who are in exile have a sense that we are holding on by a thread and long to know comfort, encouragement, and hope. Isaiah offers that very message and in many respects John the Baptizer in the Gospel proclaims a baptism of repentance echoing Isaiah’s very thoughts.
PRAYER: Father in heaven, all glory and honor are for You and we thank You that you for your comfort as you know well know our pain and sorrow. We ask that You continue to be our comfort today. Help us to sense Your presence and Your peace., we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Spiritual DISCIPLINE: Listen to the Tenor Recitative by G.F. Handel, Comfort Ye My People and reflect on the power of hope it expresses. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0WqWJs9ww
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.”- C.S. Lewis
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