“A Child Will Be Born To Us”

Isaiah 9:2-6

The people walking in darkness

Have seen a great light;

On those living in the land of the shadow of death

A light has dawned…

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.

The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope (or in some traditions, Prophecy).  This draws attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah, which weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history.  As God’s people were abused by power-hungry kings, led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by half-hearted religious leaders, there arose a longing among some for God to raise up a new king who could show them how to be God’s people.  They yearned for a return of God’s dynamic presence in their midst.  And so, God revealed to some of the prophets that indeed He would not leave His people without a true Shepherd.  While they expected a new earthly king, their expectations fell far short of God’s revelation of Himself in Christ.  And yet, the world is not yet fully redeemed.  So, we again with expectation, with hope, await God’s new work in history, the second Advent, in which He will again reveal Himself to the world.

And we understand in a profound sense that the best, the highest of our expectations will fall far short of what our Lord’s Second Advent will reveal!

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,

We thank You for being our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  As we enter the Christmas season, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness.  As You sent Your messengers the prophets to prepare the way of salvation, may we prepare traditions that nurture our spiritual lives and celebrate the dawning of Your everlasting light.  In Your name we pray.  Amen

Bible Readings

The weeks of Advent remind us to set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and to quietly reflect on the promise of the baby born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago.  Each week, we will provide daily Bible readings for you to use at home as you prepare your heart for the coming Messiah.

Monday, November 30, 2009
Genesis 1:26-31–The Creator of Man

Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Genesis 3:1-24—The Fall of Man

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Genesis 3:15—Promise of Redemption

Thursday, December 3, 2009
Deuteronomy 18:15-19—A Prophet Will Come

Friday, December 4, 2009
Isaiah 7:10-14—A Virgin With Child

Saturday, December 5, 2009
Isaiah 11:1-5—A Righteous Judge