December 12, 2023

Cultivating Hope

Carol T. Cavin-Dillon | Read Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

December 11–17, 2023

Scripture Overview

Isaiah speaks of the day in which God’s Anointed One (Messiah) will bring good news to the poor and hope to the oppressed. Jesus will later read this passage and declare it to be about himself (Luke 4), so we read Isaiah’s prophecy during Advent. The psalmist rejoices that God has restored the fortunes of the people. They have come through a period of difficulty, but God has brought them into a place of joy. Throughout Advent, we also look forward to such rejoicing. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to pray continually with gratitude and rejoicing, and the God of peace will sustain them. In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist repeats the theme from last week—that he is merely the messenger to prepare the way for the Lord.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. God is coming. How do Isaiah’s words of praise and justice inspire you to act?
Read Psalm 126. How do you celebrate the justice that you have seen come to fruition while hoping for future justice? How does your anticipation of the fullness of justice affect your faith?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. How can you return to the basics of faith during Advent?
Read John 1:6-8, 19-28. How is this Advent season both familiar and new for you? How might simple announcements of Jesus’ coming change your experience of the season?

Respond by posting a prayer.

In verse 11 of today’s text, the prophet uses the image of a garden to offer a word of hope to the people of Israel who had suffered through decades of exile in Babylon. Though they might have felt that God had forsaken them, the prophet proclaims that God will...

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Loving God, you are working even now in our lives and in our world. Help us pay attention and tend the garden of our hearts that we may bear the fruit of your love. Amen.

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