Editor's note: "Unmasking Advent: The Arrival of a Savior in Our Lives" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor 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 22 – Indeed, it’s all about Messiah!
Isaiah 43:1-24 and Revelation 9:13-10:11
We’re well into Advent with Christmas at hand. And while last-minute shopping is in a frenzy, there are some places of peace and solitude if we take a moment to stop, look, and listen. The texts from both Isaiah & Revelation highlight within them God’s ongoing patient love for His chosen ones. How He, in His mercy, has never deviated from His plan of salvation, announced to our first parents, Adam & Eve in The Garden.
To be sure, Isaiah’s words are especially clear in their outlining of God’s steadfast love for His people—us—throughout the pilgrimage of this life. God has created, formed and summons us to Himself by name in our baptism. He watches over and protects us at every step of the way and bids us to never be afraid. In fact, He clearly tells us of our redemption through the gift of His only beloved Son, whose blood set us free! Thanks be to God for absolution!
The very Son whose promised incarnation was awaited with such great anticipation, and which we now celebrate with tidings of great joy is both the Giver & the Gift—Prophet, Priest & King… whose great commission still rings out: Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. …All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions and remembers your sins no more. Amen! (Isaiah 43:6-7, 9, 23)
What better respite can one hope for? What greater pearl might there be to gift? Stay awake with anticipation for a Christmas celebration that’s been sealed by Easter joy and now looks forward toward the greatest of heavenly banquets… one Lord’s day at a time! Hallelujah!
CHRISTIAN HIMSEL is an alumnus of Concordia University Wisconsin and the Director of Library & Information Services. He has served at Concordia since 2004.
View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
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