Advent - Day 2
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The spirit of the Lord will rest on him.
Isaiah 11:1
Full Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 & Matthew 1:1-17
It’s the second day of the first week of Advent. A week of hope. A week to reflect on the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
And so, we draw from the period of the exile of Israel. I want you to try to imagine something with me.
Imagine an unnamed country invaded Australia. We are defeated. You and your family are deported to a country 10,000km from home. You go from being prosperous and free to a poor slave. You used to eat steak and pizza. Now, you dream of wheat-bix.
As the years drag on. Teeth decay because there is no dentistry or toothpaste for exiles. Children die from malnutrition, cold and disease. You aren't a second-class citizen. You’re fourth-class.
But you hear a whisper that is making its way through the slums. A man has come from God, with a message of hope. Someone is coming. A Saviour.
He’s going to bring back the good days.
He’s going to restore the Kingdom.
He’s going to be a King like David.
He’s going to make God’s people great again.
That’s hope.
That’s the hope of Christmas and Jesus, Messiah.
Let’s remember that many Christians have, will and do suffer as Israel did.
And let’s remember that even though we don’t (to this extreme), we still do endure the pain of a broken and sinful world.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father for His goodness and love as the giver of hope.
Give thanks that Jesus Christ came to be the hope of the world.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others know the hope that Jesus is.
Isaiah 11:1
Full Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 & Matthew 1:1-17
It’s the second day of the first week of Advent. A week of hope. A week to reflect on the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
And so, we draw from the period of the exile of Israel. I want you to try to imagine something with me.
Imagine an unnamed country invaded Australia. We are defeated. You and your family are deported to a country 10,000km from home. You go from being prosperous and free to a poor slave. You used to eat steak and pizza. Now, you dream of wheat-bix.
As the years drag on. Teeth decay because there is no dentistry or toothpaste for exiles. Children die from malnutrition, cold and disease. You aren't a second-class citizen. You’re fourth-class.
But you hear a whisper that is making its way through the slums. A man has come from God, with a message of hope. Someone is coming. A Saviour.
He’s going to bring back the good days.
He’s going to restore the Kingdom.
He’s going to be a King like David.
He’s going to make God’s people great again.
That’s hope.
That’s the hope of Christmas and Jesus, Messiah.
Let’s remember that many Christians have, will and do suffer as Israel did.
And let’s remember that even though we don’t (to this extreme), we still do endure the pain of a broken and sinful world.
For Today:
- Do you fear war or losing what you have?
- How is Jesus good news for you today?
- Pray for some people who need to know this hope.
Pray:
Praise the Father for His goodness and love as the giver of hope.
Give thanks that Jesus Christ came to be the hope of the world.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others know the hope that Jesus is.
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