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 begin a fresh journey of marinating in the wonder of the gift of Jesus, and the implications of both of his comings. Humble, gladden, and transform us, as we fix our gaze on Jesus. Fuel our wonder and enflame our hearts. Help us engage with the story of Jesus’ birth with childlike astonishment and renewed hope. Bring familiar Scriptures alive in worship-fueling ways, beginning this morning with this passage from the Prophet Isaiah.According to Isaiah, the Messiah (Jesus) comes to “gather us up in his arms, and carry us close to his heart.” To be tended as vulnerable lambs, to be held close to his 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. The journey Jesus took from heaven, to the cradle, to his death on the cross for us, is quintessential love, unparalleled mercy, irrepressible grace. Father, make this palpably real to us again, in the coming weeks.
But, as Isaiah notes, Jesus 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. 2017 has underscored our need and longing for Jesus’ kingdom to come more fully. We are primed and ready, Father
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.