A shoot shall come out of the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots…
Isaiah 11:1
While the gospel lesson for this weekend would have us examine the wild voice of our favorite PK (priest’s kid), John the Baptist, the prophecy in Isaiah offers us a bit of a different opportunity.
Yes, it is true that we are meant to prepare our hearts during Advent. And to some extent that means focusing in on those things for which we need to repent. However, unlike Lent, Advent offers a different entry point into the lives we are meant to live.
Instead of calling ourselves a “brood of vipers,” which, if we’re honest, is not always too far off the mark, we have a chance during this season to gain a clear vision of the little child from Isaiah’s dream, the Christ-Child in our midst.
Because the truth is this: the Child never left.
He is in the face of every person in our midst who lives in this shadow-filled world. From children to the aged, there are countless Christ-Child’s we can serve this season.
Find one every day. Maybe a few times a day. And seek a way to share the light that God has given you.
Blessings, Pastor Janie
P.S. To prepare for this weekend’s sermon, check out this anthem I’m going to mention – it is an arrangement of our passage from Isaiah.
First Welcoming All 