Sunday, November 27
Isaiah 1:1-28; 1 Peter 1:1-12
This particular week brings forth great anticipation in our Concordia community. With Thanksgiving now behind us, we look forward to Christmas concerts, final exams, commencement ceremonies and Christmas celebrations. Students and employees alike look forward to the Christmas break with family and friends.
Our texts speak to anticipation as well, although they draw a pretty grim picture. Saint Peter called the early Christians exiles (I Peter 1:1), people who did not fit in to the prevailing culture. He also reminded them to expect various trials to test their faith (1: 6-7). And the prophet Isaiah was even more blunt, pointing to the many ways that God’s Old Testament people fell short of His expectations. Isaiah describes them as, laden with iniquity, children of evildoers (Isaiah 1:4). If only depending on their own power and authority, there was little for which to hope and little good to anticipate.
At the same time, both Bible passages point to anticipation outside of humanity. Isaiah hinted at that hope, reminding Israel that though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow (1:18). And Peter, reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, shared the Good News that God demonstrated His mercy to the early Christians. Through baptism, he stated, they were born again to a living hope … to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1:3-4).
We too share with our ancestors the condemnation that sin bring to our world and our lives. Our Concordia communities regularly experience “falling short” of God’s expectations. Thanks be to God, however, that we also share in that living hope that Christ gave us. That shapes the way we celebrate Christmas and influences our activities and efforts between now and then. We can experience our Advent expectations in light of God’s mercy and love for us. Finally, because of God’s gift of faith, we can anticipate with great joy and hope the second coming of our Savior Jesus, who will reunite all the saints with Him in everlasting bliss. Amen, come, Lord Jesus!
DR. WILLIAM CARIO
Interim President
About this series
“Advent Anticipation: the arrival of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God’s Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.