In days to come, the mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob,
That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks;
One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.
shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it; many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob,
That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks;
One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.
Isaiah 2:1-5
Readings - Psalm 122, Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 5:8-11
Reflection
Thomas Wolfe famously said, "You can't go home again," but the Bible suggests otherwise. It could be said that going home, going to the right home, is the Bible's central theme. And Advent is the quintessential time for going home. Of course, in the 21st-century culture of Britain, Advent registers hardly a blip on the radar; there is no shopping money to be spent on Advent. Christmas is the ticket, and Christmas is about home, family and goodies, both wrapped and cooked. "I'll be home for Christmas," "Home for the Holidays," and other cosy songs of the heart pour from shops speakers, IPods, and car radios beginning several hours after Halloween, and do not cease until the big day itself. We long for the peace of new year long before it arrives.
Advent points us to a home where peace will reign. Where there are no swords but pruning hooks and ploughshares. Where nations are at peace. How we rejoice at that—there we will find our home.
Advent points us toward home where the hope of genuine peace reigns. Thus, we can say with the ancient seer, "Let us finally walk in the light of God!" Welcome home!
Alleluia, alleluia.
Come and save us, Lord
our God; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved
Alleluia, alleluia.
Come and save us, Lord
our God; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved
Alleluia, alleluia.
Prayer
God of power and mercy, open my heart in welcome. I consider and reflect on all I hold back, all that denies you in my life and I am sorry—forgive me. Remove the things that hinder me from receiving Christ with joy, so that I may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
God of power and mercy, open my heart in welcome. I consider and reflect on all I hold back, all that denies you in my life and I am sorry—forgive me. Remove the things that hinder me from receiving Christ with joy, so that I may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
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