Advent Devotional December 2, 2026

Scripture

Isaiah 2:1-4

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2 In days to come
    the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains
    and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3     Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways
    and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction
    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations
    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares
    and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation;
    neither shall they learn war any more.

Devotion

The Rev. Kathy Nice '12, Doctor of Ministry Student, Christian Spirituality Focus

As we wander prayerfully toward the time of Christmas, our minds may be drawn back to our own histories. I remember good times with family and friends: plates of cookies, glasses of milk for the kiddos, and hot cocoa for the grown-ups (sorry, no eggnog in my family). I remember going to a church that was crackling with excitement: decorations reflecting the glinting lights sparkling through tree branches, kids testing out costumes in preparation for the big program, a choir practicing marvelous anthems.

I think that is what Isaiah saw in his mind: the Lord’s house, high on the mountains, lights glinting from windows enticing people to come and worship. Everyone focused on the worship of God, not on wars; listening for the word of God, not shouts of anger. Can you see it, too?

We know that Judah and Jerusalem were not living in the dreamy land that Isaiah described, yet that’s why this vision was so enticing: it was something to work towards. We aren’t living in a time like the “old days” either, but we have something to work towards. We can look for ways to shine lights that others can see, to brighten both their days and our own. We can redirect our anger or discontent into ways of peace with those with whom we disagree.

As we move through Advent, we pause and look forward to the days when the Lord’s house is established high on the mountains, when we learn the Lord’s instructions and war no more. God could do this all alone, but God wants partners. How will you partner with God in this season to bring light into the world, to shift war to peace, to listen anew for God’s instruction? Take a deep breath, and breathe in peace. Allow God to redirect your vision to what can be.

Prayer

Lord, as we pause today to reflect on another season of waiting, we are impatient. We want a time of no war, a time when everyone streams to hear instruction from You. We are in the “not yet,” even forgetting the fact that, already, You have shown us Your deep love for all of Your creation. Help us to focus on reminders of where You are and how we can be a part of Your plan for bringing to earth that which already exists in heaven. Amen.

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