Advent 7th December

“Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, "Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven." But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!" Then he said, "Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:10-14 

Readings:

Psalm 145, 
Isaiah 7:10-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Reflection

Immanuel—God with us. God with us here and God with us now. For in coming to our world as a tiny vulnerable baby, God shows to us his determination and willingness to be alongside us throughout our lives.

Jesus was a surprise...to everyone. Of course we know that His appearance was a surprise to Mary and most certainly Joseph. At this time of year we hear a lot about that. But He was also a surprise to Israel, God's chosen people.  The religious elite, the scribes and Pharisees, did not expect Him to be who He was. John the Baptist, who was His cousin and went before Him to prepare the way, was even surprised by Jesus. John was surprised that Jesus wanted to be baptized by him, and then, later in Jesus' ministry, John sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the One, the Messiah — even though that was John's own message! Jesus was a surprise every step of the way. We need to be prepared to be surprised as we “raise, raise the song on high,” singing, “joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary.” Let us revel in the fact that God does not work as we think He ought to work, but instead works out His love according to His plan.

Prayer

Jesus, I long for your coming.
The promise of new light and life is before me, give me the faith to believe in your presence this day. Give me the promise and assurance of salvation with no more shame, 

only the light and saving grace of your love. 

May your peace come to my life and may it be evident in my relationships and daily living. 

Amen