Friday, December 2
Isaiah 8:9-9:7 and 1 Peter 4:1-19
My wife and I love to travel and in July, 2021, we were blessed with the opportunity to visit the beautiful island of Maui. We were filled with anticipation as we eagerly prepared for the sights, sounds, and sunshine of Hawaii. As part of our trip, we decided to visit the top of Haleakala Mountain and watch the sunrise over the mountain peak. When reading about this classic sunrise tour, the first piece of advice was to dress warmly. But since I was from Wisconsin and thus a “cold expert,” I haphazardly tossed a light, long-sleeved shirt into my suitcase and called it good. The day of the tour, we impatiently endured a 2AM wake-up call and a long, winding van ride to the top. Upon leaving the van, our tour guide handed us each a thick, fleece winter jacket (to go along with my shorts).
For the next hour, I was absolutely miserable and did everything I could to stay warm, which included huddling with strangers (awkward), jumping up and down, and hiding behind a bathroom wall to shield myself from the brisk wind. Nothing worked. Finally, the sun appeared, penetrating the darkness and radiating warmth on the surrounding earth! It was an unforgettable, amazing experience!
In today’s Advent text, the children of Israel were walking in a deep, “cold” darkness, enslaved by enemies and trapped by the yolk of sin. The warm glow of God’s face was hidden from them. Isaiah, with his familiar proclamation, describes for whom he’s hopefully and eagerly preparing: a special Child, a wonderful Counselor, a mighty God, and an everlasting Father whose greatness will not end (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah believed that the Son was worth the wait!
We, just like the Israelites, are stuck in a corrupt and sin drenched world that ignores God’s written warnings and avoids the comforting warmth of a Savior. God’s word reminds us to wait patiently and cheerfully for the true Light to appear. Don’t be caught unprepared for His birth or for His ultimate return. Put on the “full armor of God” that equips us for his imminent arrival.
This Advent, remember to be ready with hearts filled with joy, thanksgiving and gleeful anticipation – Christ is coming soon!
DR. TOM SALESKA
School of Arts & Sciences, CUW
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.