Editor's note: "An uncommon Advent: the arrival of a Savior in our lives" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Wisconsin 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 anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit.
December 4 – Hope in the darkness
Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34 and 2 Peter 1:1-21
Reflecting on today’s scripture, I feel blessed to live in a world where knowledge is available and abundant. What a blessing to be able to read and reflect on the word of God while seeing His promises unfold. Today’s passages represent the period of waiting for the coming of the Messiah, a time of hope and anticipation.
Isaiah talks of the darkness that existed on the earth during the Jewish captivity. He describes that even during persecution of God’s people, there was hope, anticipation, and waiting on God for rescue. Isaiah also details the remnant of Israel and their waiting for the fulfillment of his promise. He foretells the hope and the light of the Messiah bursting through the darkness.
Considering these passages, I am humbled by the faithfulness of our God, his patience, and the love he has for us. Reflecting on the period of waiting, as described by Isaiah, I see parallels in the darkness within today’s world. I listen to the news, and I see the darkness. I watch people who have fallen away from God’s word. I see a growing hatred for and persecution of Christians around the world. The darkness is trying to consume the Light.
I also see hope and the hand of God. In Advent and in every season, I remember that Jesus is coming again to deliver us from the darkness. God has a plan for our lives as we approach the end of this age. He sustains us through the difficulties of our time and has his hands on us and on Concordia University. I am grateful to be a part of a Christ-filled university, whose mission is to prepare the world for his return, and blessed to be a part of the remnant that God has set aside for such a time as this —a remnant of believers who fill their lamps with oil, and wait for his return.
In the book of Revelation, John reports on his encounter with Christ who said, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:12-13). As we wait during this advent season, Christ says, “Surely, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).
-Dr. Elizabeth Talbot is chair of the social work department and has served at Concordia University Wisconsin since 2014. View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
—
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.