Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm 122
Matthew 8:5-13
Yesterday, in churches where there is an Advent wreath, the first candle was lit for HOPE. Psalm 122 includes prayer for the “peace of Jerusalem;” even today, in hope, we make the same prayer. In our worship we say “The peace of the Lord be with you.”
Anticipation looks forward. Isaiah 4: 2-6 relates the suffering of the women of Zion. But then Isaiah assures them, and us, that “In that day, the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious.” The people of the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures used “the Branch” as a title for the Messianic king they awaited. Today, we await the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as we anticipate and celebrate His incarnation at Christmas.
In Mathew 8:5 -13, that Messiah is with the centurion just as He is with us today. The centurion, a Roman in the military, had many duties and responsibilities. Yet he put these aside, anticipating he could go to Jesus to seek healing for his servant. Anticipation includes action and belief. The centurion met Jesus, believed Jesus, and returned home with relief and peace. In our Advent journey, may we hope and act on behalf of those who suffer.
Advent is the time to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Center yourself this Advent in hope, peace, and love. Perhaps, make your Advent journey simpler and quieter. May our anticipation of the nativity celebration be fed by our belief; may we not be too distracted by worldly things. We can, like the centurion, walk straight to Jesus, the incarnate Son.
Julie Foster