Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Isaiah 63:7-9 (NRSV)

I will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD,
the praiseworthy acts of the LORD,
because of all that the LORD has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely”;
and he became their savior
in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

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Reflect

As we reflect on the season of Advent and the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, we contemplate the goodness of our God. Isaiah speaks of God’s loving-kindnesses, which is exhibited in various and sundry ways.

Kindness and caring are desperately needed in our day and age. The tragedies and violence that plague our world can cause us to despair. It would be easy to fall into hopelessness and believe nothing will ever change.

Isaiah’s words bring us back to the truth. God is good and God’s loving-kindness endures forever. Through Jesus Christ we have hope, and we have the assurance that as we faithfully follow him, he will remain our Hope. God is good and we can rejoice in that goodness.

May God’s word live in our hearts and energize our spirits as we follow our Creator in faithfulness.

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Pray

Dear God, thank you for your goodness, your compassion, and your steadfast love. We look to you for hope and peace. Use us as your vessels of light in this world. Amen.

Go with God.