Advent Devotional December 13, 2022

Scripture

Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Great will be his authority,
    and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
    He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Devotional

The Rev. Erin Kobs, DMin student

This familiar text from the book of Isaiah, often read on Christmas Eve, reminds us of the joyful anticipation of Christ’s coming into the world. The people, who have been through so much, are eager for the entrance of light amid the darkness. There will be great rejoicing when Emmanuel, God-with-us, arrives to bring about the coming of God’s kingdom. 

When our world feels so overwhelming—full of division and distrust, violence and war, suffering and pain—it is hard to see beyond the darkness. But we can rejoice in knowing that God is indeed with us, sending God’s own beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be a beacon of light in the world. Even beyond that, we can place our trust in Emmanuel, the one who teaches us how to become beacons of light, shining into the darkest places of our world. 

During this season of great anticipation, let us remember it is God who will lift the burdens from us. It is through God’s Son, the Prince of Peace, who will shine upon us, enabling us to in turn, shine light onto others. 

Prayer

Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God, you are indeed shining light into the dark places of the world. We wait with eager anticipation for the coming of your Son this Advent season. Let us find moments to rejoice in knowing that we are not alone. You indeed lift our burdens and allow us to continue to shine your light into this world. Amen.

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