From Mountaintop to Manger: An Advent Journey with Isaiah
Is 40:9-11
Scripture Passage
Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; Cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.
Grace Prayed For
Grace of Tenderness and Compassion: The image of the shepherd gently caring for his flock highlights God’s tenderness and compassion. We can pray for the grace to cultivate these qualities in ourselves, showing love and care for those around us, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized.
Reflection
This passage from Isaiah, bursting with prophetic imagery and joyful anticipation, perfectly captures the spirit of Advent. It’s a call to proclaim the Good News of God’s coming, not just from the mountaintops, but from the depths of our hearts.
A Herald of Glad Tidings: Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a herald standing on a high mountain, proclaiming a message of joy and hope. This herald represents each one of us called to announce the coming of our God. During Advent, we become heralds of the Good News, sharing the message of Christ’s birth with those around us.
The Coming King: “Here comes with power the Lord GOD!” This powerful declaration announces the arrival of a King, but not just any king. This is the Lord GOD, who rules with a strong arm, bringing justice and righteousness. Yet, this power is tempered with tenderness, as we see in the image of the shepherd.
The Shepherd’s Tenderness: Isaiah depicts God as a shepherd who gently cares for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms and leading the ewes with care. This image reveals the tender compassion of our God, who comes not to condemn but to gather, protect, and guide. It’s a beautiful reminder that Advent is not just about celebrating power but also embracing vulnerability and love.
The Trinitarian Connection: While this passage doesn’t explicitly mention the Trinity, it subtly points to the three Persons. The “Lord GOD” who comes with power can be seen as a reference to Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity. The “strong arm” that rules and the shepherd’s tender care reflect the Father’s sovereignty and love. The prophetic voice that proclaims the Good News echoes the role of the Holy Spirit, who inspires and guides us.
Advent Reflection: As we journey through Advent, let us be inspired by this passage to:
- Proclaim the Good News: Let us be bold in sharing the message of Christ’s coming with others, both through our words and actions.
- Embrace God’s Power and Tenderness: Let us find comfort in God’s strength and protection, while also recognizing His deep love and compassion for us.
- Prepare our hearts to receive Him: Just as a shepherd gathers his flock, let us prepare our hearts to receive Christ, allowing Him to gather us into His loving embrace.
This Advent, let us be heralds of glad tidings, proclaiming the coming of our Trinitarian God with joy and anticipation. May our hearts be filled with the hope and peace that He brings, and may we share that hope with the world.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Finding comfort in God’s power and tenderness: The passage highlights both God’s power and tenderness. This allows you to experience Jesus in a holistic way – as a powerful savior who conquers sin and death, and as a compassionate friend who understands your struggles and offers comfort. This balanced understanding fosters a deeper trust and intimacy with Him.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post