Advent Day 18
Isaiah 9:5-6
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In Ancient times battles could leave a real mess behind. You could wait for the ravens (and people did), but sometimes as a way of both mourning and celebrating, the people would come out and pile up all the boots and blood stained garments and burn them.
The prophet Isaiah is pointing to a hard reality, life in this world can be like a battle. There is noise (try being silent for a minute), hatred, anger, violence, death, and suffering.
But Isaiah is telling us that there will be an end to the battle when all the reminders of the pain of war will be cast into a fire and burned because a child is coming.
A child who will carry all the weight of responsibility for ushering in peace and bringing justice with his reign.
Prayer
Jesus, you are the child who brings peace and justice. This world doesn’t always feel like peace and justice, but that life has been given to me. Help me to live it out in a way that makes your reign attractive to others.
Today’s ADVENTure says
Light a candle & Slow Read* Luke 1:57-80 (see slow read instructions here)