Advent #4: Love Shall Be Our Sign - December 22, 2013

Advent #4: "Love Shall Be Our Sign"
Text: Isaiah 7:1-16
Isaiah presents a prophecy to King Ahaz, reminding him to stand fast, to have faith, because God is with His people. This prophecy reminds us to always seek God first, to stand firm in our faith, and to trust God's wisdom and direction instead of our own reasoning. The promise of Immanuel was fulfilled in Ahaz's lifetime, it was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, and it continues to be fulfilled in our lives today.

Advent #2: Peace - Following the Child - December 8, 2013

Advent #2: "Peace - Following the Child"
Text: Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah's vision of the Peaceable Kingdom inspires us to live into the Kingdom where enemies will be made friends. Despite the seeming evidence to the contrary, we stubbornly proclaim that the Prince of Peace has come, and will come again.  The image of the shoot from the stump of Jesse gives us great hope, as we realize that God can bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to those in conflict.

Advent #1: Walk in the Light of the Lord - December 1, 2013

Advent #1: "Walk in the Light of the Lord"
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
On this Sunday of Hope, we look at the ancient vision given to Isaiah: a world where God's mountain is the highest, where all nations come to the mountain, where God is the righteous judge over everyone, and where we live in peace in the Garden of the Lord. While we await that time, we are not given the details of how or when it will occur, but are simply exhorted to "walk in the light of the lord."